EVENTS

LONDON: Literature on the South Bank. As part of the South Bank's Fiction International Series, novelists Beryl Bainbridge, Peter Carey and John Fowles gather at the Purcell Room, Wed 24, 7.30pm, pounds 7/pounds 4; and literary giants Martin Amis and Richard Ford read side by side at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Tue 30, 7.30pm, pounds 7/pounds 4. Royal Festival Hall, SE1; 0171 960 4242.

Performed readings from Heiner Muller, Sat 27, 8pm, pounds 6/pounds 5. Young Vic Studio, The Cut, SE1; 0171 928 6363.

MANCHESTER: Spike Milligan (above) signs copies of his latest venture, Frankenstein According to Spike Milligan. A must for Milligan fans. Tue 23, 5pm, pounds 9.99 inc a copy of the book and a glass of fizz. Waterstone's, Deansgate; 0161 832 1992.

NORWICH: International Literary Festival. Norman Mailer speaks on Tue 23, Iain Banks on Wed 24, 7pm, pounds 3/pounds 2. The Authur Miller Centre, UEA, Norwich, NR4 7TJ; 01603 592810.

WINCHESTER: A Celebration of Literature begins Fri 26, with daily events until 5 Oct. On Sat 27: Literary Lunch with Edwina Currie, 12pm, pounds 12 inc lunch; Jane Austen walk leaves Tourist Office at 12pm, pounds 2; Michael Billington on Harold Pinter, 2.30pm, pounds 5; Frank Kermode on letters, 6pm, pounds 6; novelists Jane Urquart and Candia McWilliam discuss their new work, 7.30pm, pounds 5. All events at Winchester Guildhall. For further information and programme 01962 840500

CARDIFF: International Poetry Competition. Organisers of the richest Welsh literary prize are expecting a record number of entries in 1997. The closing date for the competition is 31 October; for an entry form send SAE to Cardiff International Poetry Competition, P O Box 438, Cardiff, CF1 6YA.