Millions will have picked up one of Richard and Judy’s Book Club “summer reads” this summer. Now you can get to see them along with Hilary Mantel, Duncan Bannatyne and Jonathan Dimbleby who will all be in Devon this month as a number of book festivals head to the county.
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival – September 20-22: The Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival will again attract acclaimed writers. “Words by the Sea” speaks for itself with a rich mix of different authors, all of whom have that rare ability to interest, entertain and excite. This year’s festival will feature double Booker Prize winner Hilary Mantel talking about her new book in the Thomas Cromwell series as well as other prize-winning and critically acclaimed authors including PD James and Melvyn Bragg along with presenter and author Peter Snow. The Radio 4 Book Club programme will also be recorded live from the festival this year.
Appledore Book Festival – September 28-October 6: Now in its seventh year, world-class writers and speakers include Duncan Bannatyne, Peter Snow, Lynda La Plante, Jonathan Dimbleby, Richard Madeley, Judy Finnigan and Michael Palin. From talks to workshops and ‘in conversation with’ sessions, visitors will be spoilt for choice. The Chivenor Military Wives Choir and the Appledore Silver Band will open the Festival with a charity concert at St Mary’s Church.
Torbay Festival of Poetry – October 24-28: The Torbay Festival of Poetry is crammed with all kinds of events for poetry lovers to enjoy. Guests are able to listen to poetry readings, learn more about writing poetry at workshops, listen to poets talking about poetry and, above all, ask questions! The festival has welcomed many international poets over the years, but also provides a showcase for lesser-known, and unpublished writers. Inspiring poets can also enter the festival competition for the chance to win a cash prize.
Plymouth International Book Festival October 30 – November 9: The festival first ran in 2012, and was the first large scale celebration of international and UK writers that Plymouth has ever seen. A literature festival with something for everyone to enjoy, the festival boasts a programme of readings, talks, poetry, workshops, demonstrations, music, film, and plays. There will be a poetry masterclass with Philip Gross, a book binding workshop and a short story workshop with Courttia Newland.
For more details see www.visitdevon.co.uk
