AWARD-WINNING authors are touching down in Dunbar, with East Lothian’s own festival of words taking place this weekend.

CoastWord returns to the town for the sixth year, with three days of attractions including internationally-renowned poets, authors and musicians.

The festival, which takes place from today (Friday) to Sunday, is organised by Hannah Lavery and a team of hard-working volunteers.

Ms Lavery, creative director of the festival, said: “Things are going pretty good.

“It is really exciting, we are in our sixth year and we have got some really big names this year.

“We are absolutely buzzing about the festival and ticket sales are going well.”

Artists and performers at this year’s festival include award-winning British/Iranian film maker Roxana Vilk, singer and songmaker Kirsty Law, one of the country’s best known spoken word performers Jenny Lindsay, and musician and novelist Stuart David, who co-founded BRIT award-winning act Belle and Sebastian.

The festival is split between the Bleachingfield Centre and the Dunmuir Hotel, which acts as the festival’s hub.

Ms Lavery described the festival as “eclectic” and highlighted Bloody Women: Female Authors and Crime Fiction and Peacock’s Alibi – Stuart David as two of the events to look out for on Saturday.

Lin Anderson, who wrote the best-selling Rhona MacLeod series; Alexandra Sokoloff, author of the Huntress series; and debut author Alison Belsham will look at how women have transformed the crime fiction genre and how female characters are portrayed in crime writing.

The event takes place from 2pm to 3pm in the Dunmuir Hotel, with Stuart David at the venue half an hour later.

The musician, songwriter and novelist will talk about his lead character Peacock Johnson, who is accused of murder.

Ms Lavery told the Courier she still got the same buzz from the festival as when it was created in 2013.

She added: “We have got such a lovely following now.

“People are really excited about it happening within Dunbar but beyond we have got people coming from all over the country.”

Ms Lavery added: “We are developing a really strong reputation and that is really exciting to see.

“Not only are we putting Dunbar on the map but people within Dunbar are really proud of the festival.

“People beyond are coming to the festival and lots of people come to stay for the weekend and are seeing it as a really good destination festival.”

For more information on the festival’s programme, go to coastword.co.uk