The historic coaching inn will be the location for a week-long programme of exciting and varied activities, talks and musical performances from Saturday July 5-12), with something for everyone to enjoy.

This year's theme will be storytelling through the ages, including books, oral history, letters and music. Ally Green, Visitor Development Manager for the site, said: "We are delighted that we are able to host another Literary Festival at the Kings Head and the income generated will make a fantastic contribution to the upkeep of this important part of our local heritage."

The festival launches on Saturday by paying tribute to a world-famous local author. Roald Dahl Day will bring the King's Head to life with story-reading, bookshop swap and craft activities suitable for families.

On Sunday (July 6) the mood changes with an unusual and compelling show of music, poetry and badinage by Captain Corelli author, Louis de Bernieres, and the Antonius Players.

A traditional performance of Beowulf includes a beautiful performance of Anglo-Saxon music on an original Saxon lyre on Tuesday (July 8).

Then on Friday 11, the eloquent historian and author Adrian Tinniswood will give a highly entertaining and intimate insight into aristocratic family life in Buckinghamshire in the 17th century, based on his acclaimed book about the Verneys of Claydon.

The festival ends on July 12 with 'Fairies, Knights and Trolls', a fun-packed day of story-reading for children, including crafts and activities, with a trail through the Kings Head, and a fancy dress competition which children are invited to enter dressed as a character from their favourite book or fairytale.

The King's Head, part of which is run as a second-hand bookshop and coffee shop, is owned by the National Trust, the largest conservation charity in Europe.