Swindon's Festival of Literature is cited as a cultural high point that proves the town should be a city.

Leaving aside the fact that it is put together on very little money and a huge amount of goodwill, the seventh festival will again provide a tremendously eclectic gathering of literary talent which will delight, surprise and entertain. Taking place between 1 and 13 May, the festival promises a wealth of literary talent that will spread across Swindon's arts venues, libraries, schools, pubs, churches, parks and woodlands from its sunrise opening on May Day.

At the launch of this year's programme on 16 March, festival director Matt Holland said he had recently experienced two city schizophrenic situations. As the fame of Swindon's Festival of Literature spreads he had been contacted by the European Festivals Directory. Wishing to give its readers information on how to find Swindon, the caller asked, 'is Swindon closest to the city of Bristol or the city of Reading.'

By contrast, when contacted by a representative of the British Festivals Association as to how to categorise Swindon's festival, he was asked, 'is it alright to put you down under city literature festivals?'

"It was a feather in our cap, but I couldn't help a wry smile," commented Matt.

Whether Swindon is a city or not, its reputation is spreading via the festival. Over 40 events take place between 1 and 13 May

Matt has assembled a wide ranging collection of authors, from leading novelists like Fay Weldon to top BBC television foreign correspondent Kate Adie.

Former Times editor and deputy chairman of English Heritage Simon Jenkins will talk about his acclaimed work 'England's 1000 best churches,' and perhaps fit in a visit to Lydiard House about which he has not been very polite.

In contrast Lucy Pringle the world's expert on crop circles will give an illustrated talk on these mind boggling phenomena which will challenge the most hardened critic.

Tony Hawkes who has appeared on virtually every quiz show going, including 'Have I got news for you' and 'They think it's all over.' He'll be talking about his book 'Playing the Moldavians at Tennis' which was recently serialised on Radio 4.

Popular poets Wendy Cope and Brian Patten will be spinning the stanzas whilst ex-rock journalist turned TV culture reviewer Tony Parsons will talk about his book 'Man and Boy.'

Throw in a bit of satire from Guardian columnist Sue Limb and a fascinating talk on eco-warriors through history titled 'Swamp's Literary Ancestors' and Swindon people have the chance to enjoy a fortnight of literary heaven.

There will also be writing workshops, a short story competition, a day devoted entirely to children's authors and activities, the third Clive Brain Memorial Lecture, and of course, the now nationally famous Poetry Slam.

Pick up a programme in a Swindon library or Swindon Information Centre or go to www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk

Write a short story for The Link In conjunction with Shirley Ludford from BBC Wiltshire Sound and spanning the Swindon Festival of Literature, Swindon's Link magazine is running a story writing competition.

The challenge: Stories can be on any theme, but should have a Swindon connection Length: no more than 400 words

Entrant's names should be enclosed on a separate sheet, not on the story submission.

The reward:

1 The first prize will receive three tickets to the Millennium Dome to be used this year.

2 Three stories will be chosen

to be printed in The Link and

broadcast on Shirley's BBC Wiltshire Sound programme

3 The three winners will receive book vouchers worth £40, £30, £20 kindly sponsored by Waterstones Books

The judges: Shirley Ludford, Matt Holland, director of the Swindon Festival of Literature and Link publisher Roger Ogle.

The closing date: Entries should be sent to The Link, Papermakers House, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7BD by Tuesday 31 May.