Big names and local authors feature in second year line-up. WhitLit announces Whitstable’s second literary festival taking place from 9-17 May.  The programme has doubled in size from last year with over 50 events from author chats, writing workshops, and activities for children and families. The festival will take place primarily at the Horsebridge Arts Centre and Whitstable Library with additional events held at Whitstable Community College Lecture Theatre, the Duke of Cumberland and Whitstable Castle. WHIT_LIT_LOGO_sm WhitLit is rapidly becoming one of the area’s leading arts festivals, continuing to celebrate the town’s unique heritage under the theme of ‘independent spirit’ bringing together inventive authors, innovative stories and original voices, many with local connections. 2015 Festival Highlights include:
  • A brand new mini writing festival, a full day of talks and discussions at Whitstable Castle on 9 May for budding writers.
  • Tony Smee returns to play W. Somerset Maugham (after last year’s sell out at the Playhouse) for a world first rehearsed reading of Anthony Curtis’s final play ‘At the Villa Mauresque’.
  • UK Author of the year David Nicholls (One Day) talking about his acclaimed new novel ‘US’.
  • Local resident, comedienne and author Sandi Toksvig discussing her life and career.
  • Prize winning novelist and founder of the Orange Prize for fiction Kate Mosse.
  • Former journalist Kate Adie discussing the transition from reporting to writing.
  • Bestselling crime writer Peter James on his inspirations and influences.
  • Penny Vincenzi talking about her love of Whitstable’s W. Somerset Maugham.
  • Renowned author Patrick Gale discussing his writing and ancestral origins in Whitstable.
  • Actor turned crime writer Robert Daws in conversation with mystery novelist Lesley Cookman.
  • Psychologist, author and 60s model Jenny Boyd interviewing Squeeze’s Chris Difford about his life in music.
  • Sunday Times columnist and Perrier nominee Andrew Clover with his new show.
  • Pioneering feminist Lynne Segal about her extraordinary life and the rise of new feminism.
  • An agony aunt panel debate with Irma Kurtz, Keren Smedley and Anna Raeburn with ex OK! editor Richard Barber.
  • Andy Miller performing the new version of his sell-out show Read Y’Self Fitter.
  • Music experts Clinton Heylin, Peter Doggett and Andy Miller, debating music biographies.
  • Former Eastenders writer Julie Wassmer talking about her new Whitstable Pearl mystery series.
All tickets are available from the Horsebridge Centre Box Office, 11 Horsebridge Road, CT5 1AF, 01227 281174 or online www.horsebridge-centre.org.uk (online booking fees apply) THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER OF FESTIVAL PASSES SOLD ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS AVAILABLE FOR JUST £45, SAVING A POTENTIAL £52. THIS WILL GAIN YOU ACCESS TO EVERY EVENT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE WRITERS DAY AND READING FAIRY EVENT. All programme details can be found on www.whitlit.co.uk