Comedian, critic, columnist and broadcaster Viv Groskop is taking over the reins of the Independent Bath Literature Festival.
The writer who grew up in Bruton in Somerset will take over from James Runcie as artistic director after this year's event, which begins tomorrow.
Mr Runcie is leaving to become head of literature and the spoken word at London's South Bank Centre.
Ms Groskop, who has written for The Telegraph, The Observer and The Independent and is literary editor of Red magazine, said: "I am as passionate about books as I am about live events, so this is a dream job for me. I'm looking forward to building on the festival's success in recent years."
Bath Festivals chief executive Belinda Kidd said: "I'm sure her fresh, dynamic approach will take the Literature Festival on to even greater heights."
Details are at www.bathlitfest.org.uk.
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