CAN'T wait another six months for a fix of literary genius in the flesh and the chance to rub shoulders with the security guards of political giants?

Then Cheltenham Festival of Literature's Spring Weekend, which runs from Friday, April 5 to Sunday, April 7, is the Festival for you.

This year sees an even more star-studded selection of writers and personalities, with everyone from Tim Smit, founder of the Eden Project, to Margaret Thatcher turning up to sell a book or ten.

"It promises to be our best Spring Weekend yet," said Festival Director Sarah Smyth. "In 2001 over 7,000 people came, and we're hoping even more people will enjoy the festival this year."

Authors discussing their latest work this year include Hanif Kureshi, Marina Warner and Victoria Glendinning and there is also a series of insights into the lives of such authors as Primo Levi, J.R.R. Tolkien and Anthony Trollope.

Margaret Thatcher will be discussing her vision of good governance for the new millennium, whilst at the other end of the political spectrum writer, film-maker and political activist Tariq Ali will be exploring issues raised by September 11.

The Book It! events, for children and families, are also looking exciting, with Kevin Crossley-Holland discussing his acclaimed King Arthur Trilogy and Diana Wynne-Jones giving an insight into how she creates her fantasy worlds.

The weekend finishes, as ever, with the Chelt'n'Slam, the evergreen knockout poetry competition hosted by Marcus Moore and Sara-Jane Arbury; the perfect way to wind down after a weekend's literary exertion.

For tickets and information, call Cheltenham Town Hall's Box Office or visit www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk