Big names of literature, politics and journalism are among those giving talks during the Brighton Festival. Here are the ones not to miss.

Louis De Bernires, Pavilion Theatre, May 4. The author of the celebrated Captain Corelli's Mandolin talks about his work and life in South London. Tickets £7.

Mo Mowlam, Gardner Arts Centre, May 6. Mo Mowlam resigned as Cabinet Minister and MP in 2001 as a well-loved, respected and outspoken politician. She will read from and talk about her latest book Momentum: The Struggle For Peace which tells of her life in government as she is interviewed by Simon Fanshawe. Tickets £7.

Hanif Kureishi, Pavilion Theatre, May 9. The best-selling author of The Buddha Of Suburbia, The Black Album and Gabriel's Gift, Hanif Kureishi will read from his new book, Dreaming And Scheming, a collection of his non-fiction. Tickets £7.

Political Journalism, Pavilion Theatre, May 8. Political historian Anthony Seldon chairs the discussion on the value of political journalism. The panel includes Robin Oakley, former BBC political editor and Paul Routledge of the Daily Mirror. Tickets £4.

The Internet, Pavilion Theatre, May 9. BBC economics correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones talks about the impact of the internet. Tickets £7.

The Tale of Beatrix Potter, Founders Room, Dome Concert Hall, May 11. Actress Rohan McCullough charts the life of the woman who invented Peter Rabbit, from high Victorian life to the Blitz. Tickets £7.

Grace Robertson, University of Brighton Gallery, May 11. A free talk by pioneering photographer Grace Robertson and historian Ian Jeffrey about 50 years of her work. This talk coincides with an exhibition of her work.

Nicky Singer, Pavilion Theatre, May 11. Brighton-based author Nicky Singer had written four books for adults until her son suggested she try children's fiction. When she passed a derelict house in Hove she was inspired to create Feather Boy. Tickets £5
Tom Paulin, Pavilion Theatre, May 12. Critic and commentator Tom Paulin talks about his new book, The Invasion Handbook. Tickets £7.

The Seven Daughters Of Eve, Pavilion Theatre, May 14. Talk by Professor Brian Sykes, who demonstrated that 95 per cent of native Europeans can trace their ancestry to one of seven individual women. Tickets £7.

Poetry in the English Language, Pavilion Theatre, May 15. Poet Laureate Andrew Motion and poet and journalist James Fenton read and discuss poetry. Tickets £7.

The Blair Effect, Pavilion Theatre, May 16. Today presenter James Naughtie's book The Rivals is an account of the relationship between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. John Rentoul is the Prime Minister's biographer and Anthony Seldon's latest work is on contemporary politics. They discuss Labour, past, present and future. Tickets £7.

Jim Crace, Pavilion Theatre, May 17. Jim Crace performs parts from his latest book The Devil's Larder which looks at our tastebuds and our cultural, sexual and imaginative appetites. Tickets £7.

The Two Terries, The Dome, May 22. Cult phenomenon Terry Pratchett discusses comic writing with former Python star and author Terry Jones. Tickets £7.

I Think, Therefore I Wrote, Charleston, near Firle, May 24. In his latest novel Thinks ... , David Lodge pokes fun at current thinking on human consciousness and the attraction of opposites with wit and flair. Tickets £8.

Jacqueline Wilson, Corn Exchange, May 25. One of the most successful writers for children talks about her work. This talk will be signed. Tickets £5.

Blunt Speaking, Charleston, near Firle, May 26. Biographer Miranda Carter and actor Corin Redgrave explore contradictions in the identity of academic and spy Anthony Blunt. Tickets £10.