The South Warwickshire Literary Festival returned for its fourth year this weekend, bringing together a wealth of literary talent to Leamington Spa.

The event took place at The Fold on Saturday 20 September, opening with a talk from Sian Smith on the realities of self-publishing.

Her talk was followed by a series of readings from local competition winners, showcasing new and emerging voices from across the region.

Included in the list of readings was the incumbent Warwickshire Young Poet Laureate, Ananditha Venkarranmanan.

Competition winners and runners up shared extracts from their work (image via Nub News)

Festival Director Jacci Gooding reflected on the success of this year's event, saying: "This is, without doubt, the best edition of the South Warwickshire Literary Festival yet."

In attendance at the festival was author Dr Helen Liebling, from Leamington, who was among those selling her book Nalule's Travel and Adventures: Writing for Survivors in Africa, sharing a table with Sandra Peachey .

Speaking to Nub News, Helen said: "Book events like the SWLF are really inspiring. Significantly, they provide brilliant opportunities to connect, share, listen to and get to know other local and international authors, as well as selling books, networking and having fun."

Dr Helen Liebling with her book Nalule's Travel and Adventures (image via Nub News)

The day featured a variety of author-led talks.

Kerry Williams and Ellie Tilley, from Rugby, explored the rising popularity of the Romantasy genre, while Alison May and Janet Gover discussed the realities of co-writing under their joint pseudonym Juliet Bell, reflecting on their novels The Heights and The Other Wife.

Alison May (left) and Janet Gover (right) discussed the realities of co-writing (image via Nub News)

Award-winning journalist and author Gary Phelps gave a reading from his debut novel, 13 Doors, and best-selling crime and thriller writer Mark Edwards was also in attendance.

Alongside the main stage talks, a series of workshops ran throughout the day and several one-to-one sessions with writers and opportunities for participants to receive personalised feedback on their work.

The festival concluded with an open Q&A and a final chance for visitors to purchase books directly from local authors.

Alongside the main stage talks, a series of workshops ran throughout the day and several one-to-one sessions with writers and opportunities for participants to receive personalised feedback on their work (image via Nub News)