CELEBRATING the written word in all its forms the University of Winchester has launched its Writers’ Festival line-up for 2014.

Now in its 34th year the festival aims to support both emerging and established creative writers preparing for publication. The two-day event will host a range of workshops and talks with prize-winning novelists, poets, scriptwriters, journalists, commissioning editors and literary guests.

This year there are no less than 60 guest speakers including keynote Joanne Harris MBE, the award-winning and bestselling author of Chocolat.

Judith Heneghan is the festival director and the University of Winchester’s programme leader for MA Writing for Children.

She said: “I am thrilled to be launching an exciting programme for the 34th Writers’ Festival. As well as speakers such as Joanne Harris, Sathnam Sanghera, Jake Wallis Simons and Sarah Mussi we're offering several new learning and networking opportunities alongside our intensive day-long courses, workshops and one-to-one appointments.

“The inaugural Festival Scholarship Scheme is an exciting innovation for writers aged 18-25, we're offering twelve writing competitions, two 'writing rooms' and on Friday June 20 we are holding a series of free events open to all. These include an Open Mic MC'd by best-selling novelist Jasper Fforde for anyone wishing to road-test new work, two book launches and an editor and agent panel for members of the public to ask questions about the publishing process in today's rapidly evolving environment.

“All are welcome, whether they are beginners or more experienced writers; Winchester is full of writing talent, as we discover every year.”

The University of Winchester Writers’ Festival takes place from June 20-22. To see the full programme and book a place visit writersfestival.co.uk.