An inaugural writing festival is to take place in Bournemouth in April.

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is the first headline sponsor of the three-day festival which will take place on Friday 21, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April.

AUB has recently acquired Palace Court Theatre which has been re-branded to be called the Exploratorium. The 400-seat theatre on Upper Hinton Road will host a variety of talks, workshops and panels during the festival.

Engineer for The Shard, best-selling author and broadcaster Roma Agrawal will be talking about the Nuts and Bolts of non-fiction writing from her new book.

Also best-selling author, journalist and broadcaster Jane Thynne (also known by her pen-name CJ Carey) will be interviewed by AUB’s creative writing lecturer Ronan Kelly, to explore her writing journey.

The University is also hosting talks in their new art gallery space at The Avenue shopping centre on Commercial Road.

A mix of free and paid-for events and activities, involving over 70 experienced writers and professionals, have been designed to foster inspiration, networking and stimulate creativity. From creating credible characters to publishing contracts, writing compelling dialogue to landing an agent, there is something for every budding and seasoned writer to learn.

TV and film screenwriters, best-selling authors, poets, journalists, publicists, writing coaches, editors and publishers will be imparting their advice through talks and practical workshops to improve and progress delegates’ writing.

Dr Anna Farthing, director of Civic and Cultural Engagement at AUB, said: “The Writing Festival is just what Bournemouth needs, bringing together creatives, writers, artists and students together with an energetic focus. We are delighted to support the Bournemouth Writing Festival in its first year, to get it off the ground and inspire our students.”

Dominic Wong and Ildiko SpinFisher, Festival co-founders said: “To have the support of the Arts University Bournemouth in our first year, coupled with two fascinating venues, is tremendous. We’ll be welcoming hundreds of attendees – with people coming from as far away as New York, Denmark, Wales and Manchester – it really will help us with our aim of putting Bournemouth back on the literary map.”

To be held at venues in Bournemouth town centre, tickets can be booked at www.BournemouthWritingFestival.co.uk.