World-famous author Louis De Bernieres, who penned the novel 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' will be meeting visitors for a special event to launch a Suffolk book festival.

The writer of 'Birds Without Wings,' 'A Partisan's Daughter' and 'Notwithstanding: English Village Stories' will be aboard the vessel Orwell Lady for a cruise on Sunday, May 14 prior to this year's Felixstowe Book Festival, which takes place from June 16-25.

Mr De Bernieres, who lives in Bungay, will be giving a talk, signing books and discussing his latest book Light Over Liskeard – which is available to pre-order - as part of the cruise, which will leave from Orwell Quay on Ipswich waterfront at 2pm.

The trip is set to last three-and-a-half hours and will also feature music on the outward journey and a commentary on places of interest along the river for the return journey.

Mr De Bernieres' books will also be on sale, provided by Woodbridge Books.

The June festival will be taking place at Harvest House in Cobbold Road, Felixstowe.

East Anglian Daily Times: Louis De Bernieres will be appearing as part of a river cruise on Orwell LadyLouis De Bernieres will be appearing as part of a river cruise on Orwell Lady (Image: Emma Lightfoot)

Other attractions announced as part of the event will include festival patron Terry Waite providing an evening of poetry and music.

Novelist Esther Freud and her sister Susie Boyt will also be appearing, along with Louise Doughty, author of the number one bestseller Apple Tree Yard.

Retired TV and radio journalist Siobhan Daniels will also be talking about her latest book, while there will be a 'Cosy Crime Workshop,' at Two Sisters Church in Trimley, which will explore the cosy crime genre, including the author Agatha Christie.

For full details about the authors taking part and the workshops available to book, visit www.felixstowebookfestival.co.uk         

For tickets visit www.ticketsource.co.uk

Tickets for the cruise are strictly limited. For more information and to purchase, visit www.orwelllady.co.uk