This year the famous faces taking centre stage at the Ilkley Literature Festival, the biggest in its 35-year history, include Cherie Blair, Chris Patten, Sheila Hancock and Kate Adie.

Plus in attendance will be the cream of the literary world who aren't quite household names but enjoy huge followings among fanatical band of British book-readers.

Last year's event was huge, this year's is 15 per cent bigger, nudging the festival into an even higher league – one which is belied by the fact that it's staged in a relatively unassuming spa town, population 13,000.

"I know outsiders could think of it as a bit of a twee bash with a few tents down by the riverside," said festival publicist Anys Scoular.

"But now we've established ourselves as an absolute must on the festival circuit.

"And despite being a relatively small town now we overshadow other similar events in cities like Durham and Manchester and our popularity just keeps on growing.

"It's something which keeps on growing and growing too despite the fact that we don't quite enjoy the same financial support as other festivals. I think we always maintain a certain edge which keeps us up there with the best."

There's no under-stating how popular the festival has been this year with most of the big names sold out weeks before the opening ribbon is cut by Mrs Blair on October 3.

It seems the organisers have cleverly tapped into a combination of authors and works ranging from the popular to the cult and the hugely acclaimed – and it's reaped rewards.

Scoular said: "I don't think a lot of people who aren't necessarily into reading that much appreciate just how fanatical people are about books and authors – some of them have huge followings.

"And it's not just the household names either. Sometimes, for example, it can be the science writers who are hugely respected and followed who draw in massive crowds, it's quite incredible.

"And it shows. When our box office first opened people were queueing from 7am to make sure they got tickets for certain events – it really can be on the same par as the adulation for rock stars at times."

As well as the more recognisable faces there are a string of lauded writers in attendance including three winners of the Arts Council's deciBel awards, plus the festival is always a healthy indicator of future success stories.

For example, last year saw the attendance of Anne Enright who, just days later, went on to win the Man Booker Prize for her novel The Gathering. So all eyes in Ilkley will this year be on guest Mohammed Hanif who is on the 2008 nominee list.

Other highlights will include events featuring Gerald Scarfe acclaimed, political cartoonist for the national press; political sketchwriter Simon Hoggart; art historian Sir Roy Strong and rock star Rick Wakeman.

Also appearing will be Anne Fine, creator of the character Mrs Doubtfire, comedian and TV presenter Hardeep Singh Kohli as well as Woman's Hour presenter Jenni Murray.

And there's a number of cutting edge and sometimes controversial authors ranging from Will Self to the Orange Prize winning Lionel Shriver.

This year there are two speciality areas.

The first, children's literature, will feature the likes of Private Peaceful author Michael Morpurgo, Horrible Science / Horrid History illustrators Tony de Saulles and Martin Brown and Angelina Ballerina creator Katharine Holabird and Postman Pat's legendary creator John Cunliffe.

The second, British Asian literature, includes the aforementioned Mohammed Hanif and Hardeep Singh Kohli as well as Nadeem Aslam.

Scoular said: "The organisers have always been very careful to cover the entire spectrum of taste and preferences because that's what gives the festival so much credibility.

"It would be a shame if it did become too populist and we just attracted famous faces, but at the same time it would also be a pity if the line up became too obscure and narrow. I think the key to our success has been in striking the right balance."

But what makes them come to Ilkley rather than any other festival?
"It's simple: Ilkley is such a great place to come to," said Scoular. "So for both those who come as guest authors and those who visit to observe it's a complete experience.

"And with so many people coming from across the region to be here the entire town is taken over and there really is an amazing ambience to the place during the festival – you have to be here to believe it."

l Ilkley literature Festival starts on October 3 and runs until October 19. For more information call the box office on 01943 816714 or visit www.ilkley literaturefestival.co.uk