The WORD book festival is back in Christchurch with a royal twist.
In a New Zealand exclusive, organisers will beam in the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, from her home in Windsor.
The duchess - who was previously married to Prince Andrew - will talk about the new romance novel based on her story and that of her ancestor.
The book was reportedly inspired by Ferguson's great-great-aunt, Lady Margaret Montagu Douglas Scott, but also draws parallels from her own experiences.
With an array of events to challenge, excite and entertain the city, the festival will arrive in late August.
Programme co-directors Nic Low (Ngāi Tahu) and Rachael King have worked together to create a schedule of more than 80 events featuring over 150 speakers and performers.