The lineup for Weymouth Leviathan, Britain’s only dedicated maritime literature festival, has been set, with some of the titans of the genre scheduled to attend.

The event is set for the weekend of 12-13 March 2016, and will feature two BBC presenters, an award-winning historian and a Commander of the British Empire, among others.

In addition to talks and readings by authors, the festival will screen the 1956 film adaptation of Melville’s classic Moby Dick, starring Gregory Peck in the lead role as the white-whale-obsessed Captain Ahab. Also on the ticket are a sound installation called ‘Moby Dick Big Read’, performances of sea shanties by the band Dorset Wrecks, and a maritime literature award for first editions published since 1 March 2015.

James Farquharson, festival director, said Weymouth Leviathan had already received a great deal of interest, and said the festival’s name will be reflected in the scheduled performances.

“Leviathan, our sea monster and the name of the festival, embodies fear and courage. We’ve asked our authors to weave that theme into their talks and we’re looking forward to hearing the ripping yarns they’ll present.”

To find out more about the festival, visit their website. Tickets go on sale from 1st December at the festival website and at the Royal Dorset Yacht Club, Custom House Quay, Weymouth.

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