The Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival returns this year from Thursday May 11 to Sunday May 14. As a community event that celebrates the love of literature, the Festival is set to showcase a broad range of talented voices from some of the nation’s favourite writers, to local up-and-coming authors – there is something for everyone to enjoy.
This year, there are range of events for all ages, from masterclass writing workshops to Q&As, book readings and talks with some well-known faces!
For young audiences, the festival will feature award-winning comedy performer, author and CITV host, Bec Hill, who will be discussing her creeptastic new book ‘Horror Heights: Dead Ringer’ (ages 8+).
Former hosts of Fame Academy, Carrie and David Grant, will be talking about parenting in a neurodivergent age, while actor and author Russell Tovey, will tackle all things art-related. Renowned TV and radio presenter Melanie Sykes will be focusing on autism, ADHD and the impact of a late diagnosis.
For those with a love of sport, former Arsenal co-owner David Dein will be interviewed by Sky Sports host Matt Lorenzo about ‘Calling the Shots: How to Win in Football and Life’, the story of the life of the man who was the prime mover in the creation of the Premier League. Sir Michael Parkinson will be in conversation with his son about his book, ‘My Sporting Life: Memories, Moments and Declarations’, giving you the opportunity to see and hear from one of Britain’s most revered broadcasters in person, and to be entertained by his tales of encounters and experiences with some of the icons of sport, from Shane Warne to George Best, and Muhammed Ali to Fred Trueman.
Finally, for those with a taste for crime fiction, there are a range of writers seeking to captivate their audiences. Mark Billingham, bestselling author of ‘The Last Dance’ will talk about ‘The Murder Book’, while author of the British Book Award-shortlisted ‘The Ice Cream Girls’, Dorothy Koomson, will be joined by Nadine Matheson to discuss their dark thrillers.
Last but not least, Her Honour Wendy Joseph KC will be discussing what it was really like at the pinnacle of the British legal system, in her sold-out event, ‘Unlawful Killings: Stories from an Old Bailey Judge’.
For more information on this year’s festival, visit: theamelia.co.uk
