Booking is now open for a stellar line-up at this year’s The du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival from 1-9 May.
Renowned historian and biographer Andrew Lownie discusses his book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York; journalist Sarah Vine shares personal insights into her memoir How Not to Be a Political Wife and former BBC Breakfast presenter Dr Sian Williams talks about her career as a psychologist and her book The Power of Anxiety: How to Ride the Worry Wave.
Sir Jeremy Hunt opens the festival in conversation with Iain Dale about the forces reshaping the world and Britain’s future role within it and authors Patrick Gale, Adele Parks, Harriet Tyce, Liz Fenwick, Emma Lloyd-Cowell, Patrick Charnley and Fern Britton are among the novelists chatting about their latest works.
Film critic Mark Kermode and radio producer Jenny Nelson chat to Petroc Trelawny about movie music whilst Lord Peter Ricketts’ gripping account of the British diplomats who quietly shaped the course of the Second World War is the subject of his talk with Iain Dale.
Musical events include an opening night concert by The Overtones, a jazz evening with acclaimed jazz pianist Craig Milverton and his band, an ABBA tribute night with Take A Chance On Us, Davey Hal combines his music with literature, and a special Jane Austen inspired event, Sense & Musicality, takes placeat the Harbour Fowey Hotel with soprano Penny Appleyard and square-piano specialist Jonathan Delbridge.
Orwell – The Road to 1984 is an acclaimed one-man play performed by Mark Stratford that tells the story of one of the most influential novels of the 20th century. Adapted and directed by Guy Smith, it takes place on Saturday 2 May from 8-10pm in Fowey Town Hall.
Foraging walks with Rachel Lambert, guided du Maurier walks, literature discussions, writing workshops, art trails and a comedy evening with Kernow King make up the rest of this year’s programme.
“This year’s festival has a fantastic line up,” said Paula Pearson, Chair of The du Maurier Festival Society. “Whether it’s history or politics, fiction or films, music or art, there really is something for everyone and we’re incredibly grateful to our Festival Director, Brenda Daly, for curating such a wonderful nine days of events.
“The festival is very important to Fowey, celebrating our literary history whilst bringing many people into our beautiful town. A big thank you to our amazing team of volunteers and the local community for their continuing support.”
Online booking through the festival website is now open, along with full details of all the events, how to become a Friend of the Festival, and information on the charity behind it.
For more information and to book, visit the website.