York Literature Festival 19 – 29 March 2015 Inspired by history and politics, football and feminism

Politics, history, football and feminism will be discussed by headlining artists including Dr David Starkey, Jenni Murray, Polly Toynbee and Helen Lederer at this year’s York Literature Festival, which takes place in the city which has provided inspiration for writers for centuries.

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York Literature Festival is an established event on the national literary festival scene, and this year celebrates its ninth year with a bigger and more eclectic programme, including talks by many nationally-renowned commentators and writers, workshops with literary agents for aspiring writers, book readings, and events where anyone with a love of the printed word can converse with like-minded enthusiasts.

David-Starkey_smWhether you are looking for political insight from some of the country’s best-known commentators like Polly Toynbee and Matthew d’Ancona, stories from behind the microphone from BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour Jenni Murray, or hilarious anecdotes from comedienne and star of Absolutely Fabulous, Helen Lederer, there’s an event for you. There’s also a chance to celebrate many of York’s own literary talent, with local authors including Carole Bromley, Nuala Casey, a football-themed evening with The Minstermen, and even walks around the city to find the places where authors have lived and found inspiration within the city walls.

Highlights include:

  • TV historian Dr David Starkey, who will talk about ‘York’s Place In History’ at York Grand Opera House, 7.00pm, Sunday 22nd March
  • Polly Toynbee and David Walker will ask if David Cameron has been good or bad for the UK at the launch event at York St John University, 7.30pm, Thursday 19th March
  • Jenni Murray, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour will talk about her life in broadcasting at 7.00pm, Saturday 21st March, St Peter’s School
  • Novelist Matt Haig will discuss his new book, Reasons To Stay Alive at Waterstones York, 7.00pm, Monday 23rd March
  • An afternoon of music and comedy will feature hilarious poet John Hegley and York band Blackbeard’s Tea Party at the Grand Opera House, Sunday March 22nd, 2.30pm
  • A panel discussion about Virginia Woolf, celebrating 100 years since her first book was published in March 1915 at 11.00 am, York St John University, Thursday 26th March
  • Helen Lederer, star of ‘Absolutely Fabulous’, will talk about her new novel, Losing It at 7.00pm, St Peter’s School, Saturday 28th March, St Peter’s School
  • Matthew D’Ancona, political journalist, will examine the pitfalls of working with your political enemies as he scrutinises the coalition over the last five years on Friday 20th March, St Peter’s School
  • A guided walk around York’s sites of literary interest. (See programme for details.)
  • Comedian and poet Kate Fox and York acoustic duo Union Jill will team up to ‘Let Off Steam’ at the National Centre For Early Music, Thursday 26th March, 7.30pm

jenni_murray_smYork recently secured the UK’s first designation of UNESCO City of Media Arts, which is relevant to the many authors who are now turning to digital self-publishing as a means of reaching a wider audience, and the literature festival provides a great opportunity for writers from York and beyond to learn from the best about writing for a potentially global audience.

The festival, which is sponsored by York St John University, is organised by a team of 30 people. Partner organisations include York Theatre Royal, Visit York, St Peter’s School, York Museums Trust, Waterstones, City Screen Cinema and University of York. Additional support comes from City of York Council’s Community York fund.

Tickets are on sale now via York Theatre Royal Box Office: 01904 623568.

The full programme can be downloaded now at yorkliteraturefestival.co.uk, with updates posted on Twitter @YorkLitFest

DAUNT BOOKS FESTIVAL 19-20 March 2015

Following the success of last year’s inaugural festival, the Daunt Books Festival returns on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th March 2015. The festival is two days of celebration and inspiration for writers and readers, illustrating their belief that a bookshop is not just a place to buy books, but a means of creating a community – a unique space for booklovers to come together.

Daunt-Books-interiorSMAuthors and publishers have been thrilled to support Daunt Books, resulting in an incredible line-up, featuring such luminaries as Michael Palin, Antonia Fraser, Michael Rosen, Anne Sebba, Owen Jones and William Fiennes. Subjects for discussion range from heroines to spies, nature to politics, and women of the 1950s to Russian émigrés of the 1920s. And, once again, their walking book club will be discussing a classic novel while strolling around Regent’s Park.

Daunt Books’ Marylebone location in London is in the midst of many other renowned independent establishments, and many will be involved with the festival. Rococo, La Fromagerie, The Ginger Pig, The Monocle Cafe and Honey &Co are all providing tasty treats for their daytime events. The festival also features performances by students from the nearby Royal Academy of Music.

Whilst Daunt Books has hosted many literary evenings over the years, the festival is the only time they put on talks during the day. For those who can’t take the time off work, they are encouraging you to sneak out of the office for their 45-minute lunch-break talks and eat a sandwich while digesting some food for thought. They are also delighted to be offering free after-school festival events for children and teenagers, starring Michael Rosen and Robert Muchamore.

The Daunt Books Festival shows that in the face of online competition, their bookshop has never been a more inspiring place.

 “A splendid venture by the finest bookshops in the country.” Colin Thubron

 

Tickets are available from Daunt Books, 83 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW, by phoning 020 7224 2295 or at dauntbooks.co.uk