The new literary festival is to be the successor to Poetry-next-the-Sea in north Norfolk.

Sea Fever Festival will bring nationally-acclaimed writers to the coast for its inaugural year which is set to take place this weekend on May 11 and 12.

The event kicks off on Friday with Guardian prize-winning novelist Kevin Crossley-Holland who founded Poetry-next-the-Sea 21 years ago.

Other star speakers include north Norfolk’s own writer and painter, Godfrey Sayers, as well as author Peter York whose 80s novel ‘The Sloane Ranger Handbook’ sold over a million copies.

“Sea Fever aims to include all forms of the written word to celebrate our exceptional coast-line, so we are thrilled with this line-up,” said festival co-director, Jim Ring.

Fellow co-director David Waller added: “We’re particularly delighted that we have managed to tear Peter York away from the bright lights of the London media circuit.”

Tickets are £10 per event or £60 for a festival pass. More details can be found at www.wellsmaltings.org.uk and tickets can be bought on the door.