A NUMBER of big names will descend on Irvine and Kilwinning later this month for a special book festival.

The Tidelines Book Festival will run from Friday, August 29 until Sunday, September 7 where a string of high-profile authors will be appearing across North Ayrshire along with some fantastic events Popular comic Tam Cowan and respected broadcaster Lesley Riddoch will be amongst the line-up at Irvine’s Harbour Arts Centre with acclaimed novelist Christopher Brookmyre the stand-out name appearing at Si! Restauraunt. After the storming success of last year’s inagural festival - which was exclusive to Largs - the Tidelines festival will now be spread across the whole of North Ayrshire. And it’s not just reading on offer, if you fancy a tipple or some culinary tips there will be a special whisky tasting and cooking seminar throughout the festival.

Tidelines Festival Chair Keith Charters said: “Come late August and early September you’ll be tripping over good books and entertaining authors.

“True to our word, we’ve also spread our wings, so this year you’ll find events in Irvine, Kilwinning, Millport, Stevenston, Ardrossan, West Kilbride, Beith and Dalry in addition to Largs.

“If something is good it’s worth sharing, more events means even more variety. So whether your bag is current affairs, history, humour crime, children’s stories, cooking, poetry, romance, whisky or all of the above, we’ve got an event for you.

“There are even a few folk you’ll recognise from TV and radio. Grab your tickets quickly and don’t miss out!” Tickets for both Lesley Riddoch and Tam Cowan’s events on August 29 and August 31 respectively along with Christopher Brookmyre’s appearance on September 3 all cost £10. All tickets are available to purchase from the HAC box office on 01294 274059. For more information and to view the full rogramme visit www.tidelinesbookfest.com.