This month the second Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival rolls into town and with famous children’s authors, celebrity speakers and even a cool Comicon event, there’s sure to be something for everyone…
After a successful debut in 2022, The Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival will once again return to the town from Thursday May to Sunday May 14.
This year’s festival will include a diverse range of events taking place at a number of venues across town including the Assembly Hall Theatre, the Amelia Scott, Royal Victoria Place, The Forum and One Warwick Park Hotel.
Last year’s inaugural festival was a resounding success, with more than 1,600 visitors attending the festival’s four-day run. This year, with the backing of Arts Council England, including an offer of more than 1,000 free tickets for children, as well as the generous support of Berry & Lamberts Solicitors and RBC Brewin Dolphin, the festival aims to be even bigger and better than before.
Highlights include Sir Michael Parkinson, who will appear at the Assembly Hall Theatre on Saturday May 13. Discussing his book, ‘My Sporting Life: Memories, Moments and Declarations’ with his son, Mike. This is an opportunity to see one of our most revered broadcasters in person discuss his life in showbiz.
Join Russell Tovey (‘The History Boys’, ‘American Horror Story’, ‘Being Human’), and Robert Diament (Director of the Carl Friedman Gallery) at the Assembly Hall Theatre on Sunday, May 14 as they discuss some of their favourite moments from their hugely popular Talk Art podcast, as featured in their new book, ‘Talk Art: The Interviews’.
Popular children’s authors and illustrators Michael Rosen, David Walliams, Bec Hill, Mama G, Tim Collins, Vashti Hardy, Manjeet Mann and Amanda Quartey will all appear across the weekend at venues including the Assembly Hall Theatre, the Amelia Scott and Royal Victoria Place.
Famous faces from of our television screens, David and Carrie Grant, who have been vocal coaches and judges on both Fame Academy and Glee Club, will discuss their book ‘A Very Modern Family’ at the Amelia Scott. In the book, Carrie and David share their own familial experiences that will speak to and help parents whose children are gender fluid and or neurodiverse. It will also help parents be more understanding and compassionate towards their children. This is an important first book that also looks at themes of race and culture.
Arsenal fans can experience fascinating insights from the long-awaited memoir of international football ambassador, former co-owner of Arsenal FC and legend of the game, David Dein. ‘Calling The Shots’ is part memoir, part inspirational meditation on the game, including stories from his time at Arsenal FC.
Writers of the hugely successful play ‘Ghost Stories’, Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, will also present an intimate writing workshop. In this two-hour event, they’ll explore the process that led to the show’s creation and discuss some of the lessons they both learned, which they carried forward into the hugely popular film version they went on to adapt and direct. In a further session, they will also discuss their book ‘The Warlock Effect’.
Brand new events for this year will include the first ever TW Comicon, which will feature comic books, novels and films, manga, workshops with comic creators and artists, collectables and comics to purchase, as well as retro-gaming opportunities. Local talent will also be celebrated at the very first TWLF Local Writers’ Fair.
Nicky Carter, Head of Culture at The Amelia Scott, said: “Following last year’s successful debut event, we’re thrilled to be hosting another Literary Festival here in Tunbridge Wells. In addition to showcasing another fantastic line-up of talented writers and storytellers, this year will also include a Local Writers’ Fair and, new to Tunbridge Wells, a Comicon event featuring stalls and workshops covering everything from Manga to superheroes!”
All tickets are available at theamelia.co.uk/whats-on
