The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy began in 1977 in nearby Stalbridge with author Douglas Adams hammering on an ancient typewriter in his bedroom. The BBC commission for his new six-part radio comedy had arrived simultaneously with another for Doctor Who. This fertile “Six months of baths and peanut butter sandwiches” at his mother’s house saw the birth of a literary and multimedia juggernaut. Radio, novels, stage shows, vinyl LP, television and even a bath towel followed in short order. Sadly the author died in 2001, aged 49, before the Hollywood movie came to fruition. Hitchhiker’s marches on, with the newly re-mastered radio series on CD or red vinyl, plus the 1981 TV series now in HD on BBC Blu-Ray. This 2.5 hour festival item, marking the 40th anniversary of Hitchhiker’s, will bring together members of the original cast and crew, Douglas’ family and friends, all of whom helped create the worlds of Arthur Dent, Slartibartfast and twin-headed Zaphod Beeblebrox. Behind-the-scenes anecdotes will be illustrated with video clips and a display of original props and animation artwork from the TV series. Don’t miss the chance to shake clamps with Marvin The Paranoid Android!