THE booming baritone of Brian Blessed rang out across Chipping Norton at the weekend.

The actor, famous for his appearances in films such as Flash Gordon and Star Wars Episode I, and a range of Shakespeare plays, appeared at the town's literary festival to share the story of his life.

A sold-out Chipping Norton theatre listened to the star recount his exploits on stage and screen and tell how he became the oldest man to trek to the magnetic North Pole, and spar with boxers Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali.

Mr Blessed's appearance was one of dozens of events as part of Chip Lit Fest, which ran from Thursday until Sunday, including talks on topics as varied as Sikhism, Charlotte Bronte and taxation.

Festival director Jenny Dee said: "We had some extraordinary highlights. Of course the 'Brian ripple' that went through Chippy was very exciting.

"I got the feeling as I rushed from venue to venue that the audience were having a fantastic time.

"They were really enjoying the variety of things."

For Mrs Dee, who lives in Kingham, it was her first year as festival director and she is excited to carry on the role for 2017.

Stars this year included author of Chocolat, Joanne Harris, journalist and author Fay Weldon, one half of comedy duo Armstrong and Miller – Ben Miller – and co-presenter of BBC's Springwatch and Autumnwatch, Martin Hughes-Games.

Mrs Dee said: "People know it's getting more established and they are trusting us to put on something that will interest them.

"We had food and drink talks, events about nature and wildlife, as well as our usual programme for Shakespeare, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of his death."

This was the fifth year of the festival and a team of nearly 80 volunteers worked hard to make it a success.

The event pays all its authors the same fee for attending the event, and any proceeds go back into working with young people and literacy in schools.

Mrs Dee said: "There was so much going on. What was lovely was that even the authors were going to each other's events.

"Everyone was involved. We had great support from various venues in the town. Wine Bear hosted an event that they never had before, and Wild Thyme had a food and drink talk."

Visit chiplitfest.com for more information.