Stars from the world of sport, media, music and mountaineering – along with a certain domestic goddess – are all heading to Guildford for the town’s annual book bonanza?
Now in its 28th year, the Guildford Book Festival is recognised as the premier literary event in the south east. And this year the team behind the festival has pulled out all the stops to secure some stellar names.
Much-loved food writer, cook and TV presenter Nigella Lawson leads the list of authors appearing at the eight-day event, which runs from October 8 – 15. Alongside Nigella is multi-awardwinning author Alan Hollinghurst who will be discussing his latest novel The Sparsholt Affair; popular presenter Jeremy Vine who will share anecdotes from his hilarious memoir; while BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson and legendary mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington share tales of lives well lived.
Guildford Book Festival co-director Jane Beaton said: “We are delighted to be welcoming so many wonderful authors to Guildford this autumn offering a rich and varied programme of events.”
This year there will also be an opportunity to take afternoon tea with Sunday Times bestseller Cathy Kelly, and author and books editor of Woman & Home Fanny Blake; and morning coffee with Lady Laura Burlington, who will be talking about her latest book, House Style, Five Centuries of Fashion at Chatsworth.
The popular Readers’ Day featuring seven authors in one day returns and will include number one bestselling author Penny Vincenzi, crime writers Lucy Atkins and Fiona Barton, romantic novelists Veronica Henry and Kate Eberlen, author and playwright Rachel Joyce, and debut novelist Polly Clark.
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For sports fans there’s a chance to hear Judy Murray, mother of tennis champions Andy and Jamie, reflect upon her family’s journey from the soggy courts of Dunblane to Centre Court at Wimbledon, while sports writers Patrick Barclay and Ian Herbert discuss what makes a good football manager.
For history buffs A N Wilson reappraises the life of Charles Darwin, while Charles Spencer will relate the gripping tale of the manhunt for Charles II, and the people and places that saved a king. Stephen Church shares his account of Henry III, the driving force behind the expansion of Guildford Castle and top-selling historian Alison Weir returns to discuss Anne Boleyn, the second book in her six volume series of novels based on the lives of Henry VIII.
Crime writing is always popular at Guildford Book Festival and this year the festival welcomes the return of international bestselling crime writer, Peter James, as well as Silent Witness writer M J Arlidge, rising star Tim Weaver, and BBC journalist-turned-crime writer, Terry Stiastny.
For aspiring and developing writers, author and leading writing instructor Rachel Marsh will run creative writing workshops throughout the week and there are special offers and events for book club members too.
Guildford Book Festival do-director Alex Andrews adds: “We look forward to welcoming some of the country’s best authors and illustrators and believe we have something for every taste and age.”
- Tickets will be on sale from 14 August. For further information and to book tickets: guildfordbookfestival.co.uk or 01483 444334
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