A popular author known as ‘Aida H Dee The Storytime Drag Queen, has been booked to read at a new literary festival in Accrington.

Off the Shelf is a new literary festival coming to Accrington next month and is welcoming of book worms of all ages and abilities, as the festival will also include special book readings in sign language for deaf people.

The festival will take place on Saturday, March 11, from 11am to 3pm and will have a variety of fun activities, book readings, literary discussions on offer, including a special reading from the author and founder of Drag Queen Story Hour, Aida H Dee from 1pm to 2pm.

Local ‘Potterheads’ will have the opportunity to join in a potion making class and take part in wand training as well as trying on the sorting hat in the Harry Potter gazebo.

A Jacqueline Wilson gazebo will have book making activities with book marks and tattoos followed by a Matilda workshop from 12pm to 12.30pm before a meet and greet with Miss Trunchbull.

The Grinch and Alice in Wonderland will also be making appearances.

Gruffalo themed crafts and a Gangsta Granny Trail will be on in the market before the author panel talks begin.

Aspiring authors between the ages of five and 16 will also have the chance to enter two 500 word story writing competitions.

The top 10 will be displayed around the event on the day and the top three winners will receive prizes as well as having their story read out.

A spokesperson for Civic Arts Centre, organiser of the festival, said: “We are currently asking people to get involved.

"So, if you’re an author, poet, illustrator, book seller, publisher or story teller, get in touch and get involved.

“We will publish a full programme on our website as we start to build up information.

“Contact Gayle at the Civic Arts Centre via gayle@civicartscentre.co.uk”

The festival will take place in Accrington Town Square from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, March 11.