ways-with-word150The Telegraph Ways With Words Festival of Words and Ideas - set in the beautiful and bucolic Dartington Hall in Devon - will welcome some of the biggest names in the world of art, literature, politics and entertainment. This stunning setting will see over 100 writers gather for a ten-day celebration of words and ideas this summer.   The opening day of the festival commemorates Ted Hughes with an event led by eminent local poet Alice Oswald and Paul Keegan formerly of Faber and Faber and editor of Ted Hughes’ poetry. Terry Waite will discuss his humorous and uplifting new novel. Paul Heiney presenter of the ITV’s Countrywise recounts his sailing adventure to Cape Horn as he tried to come to terms with the suicide of his 23 year old son. Journeys of a different nature feature with best-selling poet Simon Armitage discussing ‘Walking Away’, the story of his travels on England’s south west coast, during which he exchanged poems for bed and food. Offering light and lyrical laughs will be poet and musician John Hegley. Comedian Dom Joly will be clowning about and exploring fact versus fiction, fame and the trials of being funny. The wry humour of James Ward will bring a humorous glimpse into your pencil case and a whole new perspective on your stationery.   WAYS_WITH_WORDS_250High Street revolutionary and Queen of Shops, Mary Portas discusses her Irish upbringing and how her struggles and determination have defined her success.  Horizon and Coast presenter Dr. Alice Roberts takes us on a biological journey of wonder as she examines the improbable nature of life from individual cell to fully-formed human. Judy Finnigan is joined by her husband Richard Madeley as she discusses her emotional new novel set in Cornwall. Dr Phil Hammond offers his prognosis on the NHS and Michael Buerk, fresh from the jungle, exposes the reality of reality TV.   A few months after the fall out of the general election Ways With Word rubs shoulders with politicians of all persuasions. Alan Johnson reflects on his life as a postman in the follow up to his best selling ‘This Boy’; Ann Widdecombe talks about her new novel waltzing us from the glitzy heights of celebrity dance shows to the more rarified air of Dartmoor. Voted MP of the Year in 2014, Caroline Lucas of the Green Party, provides a unique glimpse into the closed world of the ‘honorable friends’ in the Houses of Commons. Political commentators, journalists and advisers in the form of Polly Toynbee, David Walker, Steve Hilton (former senior adviser to David Cameron) John Sergeant and Lord Hennessy ensure that much lively debate and discussion will be enjoyed throughout the 10 days.   Linda Blair returns with her calm, insightful and deeply human approach to solving life’s dilemmas. Mindfulness is on the menu in the form of a talk by Head of Food at the world-renowned Schumacher College Julia Ponsonby takes us through the joys of mindful baking. There are many themed days you can enjoy at the Barn Theatre which include Mind Matters, Science of the Body, the ever popular Global Issues day and even a day dedicated to murder most foul in our Crime and Punishment day. Judith Wolfe explores C.S Lewis and the Inklings whilst Jane Hawking relates the inside story of her marriage to Stephen Hawking and Matthew Dennison offers an insight into the extraordinary life of Vita Sackville-West. Literary heavyweights such as Ben Okri, Deborah Moggach, Salley Vickers and Penelope Lively discuss inspiration for fiction, a thread which runs throughout the festival, making sure that great literature is at the forefront of a festival packed with words and ideas.   Tickets are available online at https://www.wayswithwords.co.uk, by phone 01803 867373 or by email admin@wayswithwords.co.uk. Three festival package options are available: 10-day, 5-day and weekend or midweek - which include on-site accommodation and entry to all events.