The organisers behind an annual literature festival are congratulating themselves on numbers achieved at this year’s event.

Chester Performs, which put on the Essar Chester Literature Festival, has announced that more than 6,000 tickets were sold for the 15-day event, which featured 50 authors, playwrights and other literary experts.

In addition, several hundred books were signed and sold, there were 10 sell-out shows and there were 315 plates of food at Michael Caines' festival lunch.

This year’s programme featured exclusive events such Clive James, in his first public event in four years; BBC Radio 4 broadcaster Mark Lawson in conversation with playwright Mike Poulton; and Dame Margaret Drabble who came a week before the publication of her first novel for the best part of a decade.

Festivals manager Paul Lavin said: “The festival goes from strength to strength and this time around we are delighted to have seen audiences grow from a very high base last year, as it shows that we are bringing in new audiences as well as our loyal following.

“We are delighted with this and with the quality of talent from the country’s arts world we attracted.

“What also made this year’s fortnight so special was the enthusiasm and warmth of the audiences who once again turned out in great numbers.”

Chester Performs young people’s literature festival returns in February 2014, during half-term week.