The ten-day Saltaire Festival, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, kicks off tomorrow across the historic World Heritage Site.

The event’s customary live music, market stalls and street entertainment are a huge draw on its finale weekend, but organisers say even regular festival-goers may be unaware that there is plenty going on during the week as well.

As in previous years, the varied 2013 Festival programme includes a strong spoken-word element, with poetry, drama and literature at venues throughout Saltaire.

Highlights this year include people's Poet Laureate John Hegley, who will be in Victoria Hall, on Friday, September 20; writer and raconteur Ian Clayton who is at the Caroline Social Club, on Tuesday, September 17, and the return of theatre company Paper Zoo, with its adaptation of Dickens' Hard Times, also at the Caroline Social Club, on Thursday, September 19.

In a daytime event, author Lisa Chaney brings together food and fashion at Salts Mill for a literary lunch about Coco Chanel on Wednesday, September 18.

The festival is organised by a small group of volunteers who have this year organised more than 100 events across the village and Roberts Park.

Festival chairman Gideon Seymour said: “Many returning visitors flock to the markets, enjoy the many music acts and sample great cuisines from all over the world during the finale weekend, but in addition to the finale bustle and the more relaxed, family-focused activities during the first weekend, locals know there’s plenty to do midweek too. We’re delighted to welcome poet John Hegley this year, and to be developing a reputation as a place to spot up-and-coming comedy stars fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe.

“The midweek programme and wide choice of local bars and restaurants makes the village the ideal place for a chilled and cultural evening out.”

Festival-goers are being encouraged to leave their cars at home while major roadworks continue at Saltaire roundabout, and make use of the village's excellent transport links, by rail, bus, cycleway and even canal.

This year’s festival takes place between September 14 and 22.

The full programme, and details of how to book tickets, can be found at the festival website, saltairefestival.co.uk