Ghosts, crime and fairytales will feature highly during Ilkley Literature Festival's autumn season.

Although Olicanians are still waiting for summer to arrive, the festival organisers thoughts are already turning a little chilly.

Among the highlights will be Joan Barr and Brian Peters presenting The Original X Files at Ilkley's Cow and Calf Hotel on Halloween.

A festival spokesman said: "What better way to spend Halloween than with the songs and stories of ghosts, monsters and devils, and the heroes and heroines who, usually, overcome them? It's a show that will have you looking over your shoulder as you make your way home."

On the same evening Louis Hagen will present a Fairytale Evening at The Crescent Hotel in Ilkley.

The Grimm Brothers are the subject of this event The original films of the Prince Achmed and Puss in Boots will be shown and Louis Hagen will discuss the power of the Brothers' tales.

And would-be crime writers have the opportunity to pick up some valuable tips at Ilkley's Craiglands Hotel over the Halloween weekend when Alison Joseph and Annie Ross invite will be running Write A Crime Novel In An Hour.

Alison Joseph is known for her Sister Agnes books. Annie Ross has directed a number of TV programmes including Strange But True and 999 Rescue.

Further information can be obtained from the Ilkley Literature Festival office on (01943) 601210.

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