David Peace and Jonathan Coe to feature at Sheffield literature festival

A number of top authors are to put in an appearance at this year's Off the Shelf festival in Sheffield.

The event, organised by the Culture Department of Sheffield City Council, is due to take place between October 9th and 30th.

Although the festival's programme has not yet been finalised, those already confirmed include David Peace, The House of Sleep writer Jonathan Coe, Songs of Blood and Sword author Fatima Bhutto and comedienne Jenny Eclair.

'The number of well-known figures from many different writing backgrounds … that will be here in Sheffield this year proves that Off the Shelf has become a very well-regarded event in the North's cultural calendar,' Roger Davison, Sheffield Council's cabinet member for culture, sport and tourism, told the Yorkshire Post.

Other authors set to make an appearance at the event include political aide and The Blair Years writer Alastair Campbell and Wire in the Blood crime writer Val McDermid.

The festival is now in its 19th year and aims to cater for audiences of all ages with activities including readings, workshops, exhibitions and talks.