26 February – 6 March 2016 sees the 21st birthday of The Independent Bath Literature Festival and to celebrate festival organisers are pushing the party boat out with over 130 events across Bath featuring a host of literary names including journalists, comedians and broadcasters from contemporary fiction both at home and abroad. bath-literature-6x4 Viv Groskop, Artistic Director for The Independent Bath Literature Festival, explains: “Bath has always been synonymous for having fun, the Georgian equivalent to the city that never sleeps, and so a natural fit with Bath Festivals. Think of this year’s Festival as a sort of intellectual face lift where you leave feeling renewed and rejuvenated.” Bliss, Nature and Science, Comedy, Thought Leaders, News and Current Affairs, History and Creative Workshops are just some of the other strands that will be taking you on a 10-day literary journey of self-discovery.     Bath’s biggest venue, the 1500-seater Forum, has been the backdrop for a host of first-class theatrical and musical performances. This year, Al Murray the nation’s favourite pub landlord (Saturday 27 February), leading feminist Gloria Steinem (Saturday 27 February) and author Sebastian Faulks (Saturday 27  February) are just some of the big names that will be taking to the stage. To mark this special anniversary Artistic Director, Viv Groskop, and a panel including the Independent’s John Walsh, journalist Stephanie Merrit and Guardian culture writer Mark Lawson will debate the 21 ‘Best Ever Coming of Age Novels’ that depict the transition to adulthood in a lively and witty exchange (Sunday 28 February). Secure a front row seat at an unmissable audience with much-loved broadcaster Joan Bakewell (Sunday 28 February) or enjoy a hilarious take on science with comedian and actor Ben Miller (Friday 4 March).     For history buffs, explore the links between fiction and history with award-winning author of Girl with a Pearl Earring Tracy Chevalier (Friday 4 March) and get the inside track on 21st century politics with feisty outspoken politician Vince Cable (Saturday 27February). Dom Joly, best known as the star of Trigger Happy TV, will also be sharing rib-tickling snippets and anecdotes from his new autobiography Here Comes the Clown (Saturday 5 March). Returning by popular demand, Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Austentatious: An Improvised Novel brings their wonderful comedy take on Jane Austen’s work. Based on audience suggestions, the show is never the same twice and is guaranteed to leave you feeling 10 years younger! To book tickets visit www.bathfestivals.org.uk or call the Bath Box Office on 01225 463 362.