11 June-3 July. Rome book enthusiasts breathed a sigh of relief at the long-waited announcement that the yearly Rome Literature Festival has received the necessary approval and funding. Therefore the 12th edition of the festival, consisting in ten evening events, takes place once again in the magnificent setting provided by the Basilica di Massenzio in the Roman Forum. The very popular initiative celebrates the written word with a host of international authors who are invited to write a text inspired by a chosen theme, as well as read an excerpt selected from a published work translated into Italian.

This year’s theme has still to be announced, as well the calendar and the names of the participants. Invariably many Anglophone writers are amongst those invited to take part, and the festival offers a unique occasion to listen to them reading from their own work in dialogue with musicians, actors and artists who collaborate to give vitality and originality to the event. Entry is free, but tickets must be picked up at least two hours before the actual reading begins at a specially constructed box office in Via dei Fori Imperiali, Clivio di Venere Felice. For information tel. 060608, www.festivaldelleletterature.it.