COMMITTEE members at the Knutsford Literary Festival are looking forward to welcoming a series of truly modern interpretations when proceedings get under way next weekend.

The festival returns for the 18th edition from October 6 to October 15, with the programme boasting nine events.

As well as using iconic venue The Courthouse in Toft Road for the first time as part of the literary lunch event on October 12, a number of events will bring fresh interpretations to historical tales.

On October 11, James Hamilton reassesses the life and career of 18th-century portraitist Thomas Gainsborough at Knutsford Methodist Church.

Then on October 14, Kathryn Hughes will discuss her original take on the Victorians, with her book uncovering ‘tales of flesh in the age of decorum’ and offering a window into a little-seen aspect of one of history’s most intriguing eras.

Committee member Liz Kempster said: “James Hamilton has done an excellent job. The book is modern and up-to-date in its language.

“This person who created these wonderful portraits was a drinker, played in a band and loved all-nighters.

“He called painting ‘this damned business’ and was really quite a loveable man.

“Then you have the Victorians, who showed themselves as upright and buttoned up but really their lives were not like that at all.

“The book has been called ‘gleefully contentious and fizzing with life’.”

At £5 each, tickets for both events can be bought at knutsfordlitfest.org or by calling 07804 553171

Sandwiched between the two on October 12 is this year’s literary lunch, the first to be held in The Courthouse since the festival began in 2000.

Elisabeth Luard will share her tales and recipes complete with her own unique take, writing about food in its historical, geographical and social context.

Last year, she won the Food Writers’ Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Tickets, which include lunch, cost £27.

The festival is supported by Waterstones, which provides the books for all events, and authors will be available to sign copies.

Other speakers include Rhondda MP Chris Bryant and plantsman Roy Lancaster.

For the full programme and more details, visit knutsfordlitfest.org.