NORTHWICH LitFest is launching its literary celebration at Costa Coffee in Leicester Street.

The coffee shop is the venue on Thursday, June 1, for the LitFest’s opening event, the announcement of the Short Story competition winner and presentation of the prize.

Some of the entrants will be given the chance to read out their stories too, if they wish - they cover a whole host of genres and promise to have you laughing, crying and everything else in between.

The launch event starts at 7.30pm, and seats are free but can be reserved.

The opening evening is followed by a talk by Hayley McGregor at Davenham Theatre on Monday, June 5, at 7.30pm.

Hayley’s book, Teacher’s Pet, is a true story of a schoolgirl abused by her teacher and her courageous journey to heal the wrongs of her past.

Broadcaster and anthropologist Mary-Ann Ochota appears at Weaver Hall Museum on Wednesday, June 7, at 7.30pm.

Mary-Ann was born in Wincham and educated at Sir John Deane’s College before going on to Emmanuel College, Cambridge.

She specialises in anthropology, archaeology, social history and adventure factual television, has worked on many TV programmes, and co-presented Channel 4’s Time Team with Tony Robinson.

Tickets for the talks by Hayley McGregor and Mary-Ann Ochota are £5, and to reserve or book seats email susi.osborne@hotmail.co.uk or call 01606 553433.

The festival runs until June 30, and to see the LitFest programme visit northwichlitfest.co.uk.