Books in the Belfry is back for 2015 with a Big Bang.

The 2nd Flamstead Book Festival will be held on June 5 and 6, 2015 with another line-up of top names.

Best-selling authors Jane Hawking and Sophie Hannah will headline the Festival in the historic setting of St.Leonard’s Church.

Hawking, who was Stephen Hawking’s wife for 25 years, penned Travelling to Infinity which was adapted for this year’s Oscar-winning film The Theory of Everything.

Jane – in one of her few appearances this year – will talk about her moving account of love and loss with the celebrated scientist as well as what it was like for her marriage to be played out on film by actors Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne.

The Festival will kick off on the evening of Friday June 5 with thriller-writer Sophie Hannah, whose novels have been adapted for ITV’s Case Sensitive series. Her most recent work – The Monogram Murders – is the first Hercule Poirot novel since Agatha Christie’s death, having been specially approved by the renowned crime-writer’s estate. It will be out in paperback in time for Books in the Belfry. So don those big, swirly moustaches and be among the first to hear how she managed to capture Christie’s beloved creation.

The line-up also features acclaimed children and young person’s author Alex Scarrow, best known for his Time Riders series.

There will also be some favourites from last year, including a sports writing session with a chance to quiz pundits about that weekend’s Champions League final and the forthcoming Rugby World Cup; story-telling for toddlers and a children’s workshop.

Festival spokesman and Flamstead resident Vikki Orvice said: “We’re excited about the line-up and hope as many people as possible in the area will once again support Books in the Belfry”.

“After the success of Tony Parsons and Barry Norman at events last year we think that attracting Jane Hawking and Sophie Hannah is another coup for the Festival and the village – so come along, give them a big Flamstead welcome and hear their stories.”

“We’ve also made sure there is something for everyone in the programme after the feedback we got last year and it promises to be lots of fun, whatever age you are.”

Waterstones in St.Albans is supporting the Festival and will be selling books on both days. You will also be able to meet the authors and get books signed. Perfect for holiday reading this summer or presents.

Proceeds will help support the Friends of St.Leonards (FOSL) to raise funds for the repair work to safeguard the medieval wall-paintings in the village church.