The Durham Book Festival 2020 programme has been released and includes talks from Ian Rankin, Richard Osman, Ann Cleeves and Alistair Campbell. Here's the lineup plus dates and ticket information.

The Durham Book Festival 2020 programme will take place entirely online this year due to Covid 19. Talks will be streamed online on the festival website.

Durham Book Festival 2020 tickets have been released, and they're free of charge for a wide range of events.

When is Durham Book Festival 2020?

Durham Book Festival 2020 takes place from October 9 to 18. It will bring together artists from across the world in more than 50 events.

What is the Durham Book Festival 2020 programme?

The Durham Book Festival 2020 lineup includes an afternoon with crime writer Ann Cleeves, who has written a story exclusively for the festival, which is this year's Durham Book Festival Big Read. In the lead up to the event, the festival will distribute 4,000 free copies of Written In Blood throughout County Durham as well as a free e-book.

Ian Rankin will be speaking to fellow writer A.A. Dhand about his new novel A Song for the Dark Times, which sees the return of his detective John Rebus; and TV's Pointless star Richard Osman, who introduces his debut crime novel, The Thursday Murder Club.

There will also be a series of 'inspiring conversations' including Living Better with Alastair Campbell, where he offers an honest and ultimately life affirming account of his lifelong struggle with depression.

There is also The Poetry Book Society Showcase featuring upcoming poetry collections.

For children, there are family and school events available to stream until November 1.

The Little Read project brings picture books to life for the under eights. 1,500 copies of Greta and the Giants will be distributed across County Durham, including to every primary school and nursery setting. The book-gifting campaign is supported by a range of video resources, which include a reading of the story by its author Zoe Tucker; a live drawing presentation by illustrator Zoë Persico; and a set of creative workshops including placard-making, songwriting and drama workshops.

There is also a podcast, a Durham literary walking tour and an opportunity to explore the Palace Green Library Archives.

You can find the full Durham Book Festival 2020 programme at www.durhambookfestival.com

How much do Durham Book Festival 2020 tickets cost?

Durham Book Festival 2020 tickets are free, and are available to book online at the festival website.