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Cheltenham Literature Festival returns with an incredible line-up, big names appearing in 2019 include Debbie Harry from Blondie and David Cameron.
Some of the book world’s biggest names will appear at The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 2019, when the Regency town once again hosts hundreds of events from Friday 4 to Sunday 13 October 2019, this year celebrating its 70th anniversary.
The vibrant Festival Village in Montpellier Gardens will be transformed during the festival, as it welcomes over 800 performers, thinkers and writers for the ten-day celebration of literature.
Tickets for the event are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature.
From the world of music, among the biggest Lit Fest names to be announced is undoubtedly Blondie’s Debbie Harry. Guests can also hear from Suggs and crew, as Madness discuss their careers as kings of British ska-pop; there’s also Status Quo’s Francis Rossi; WHAM’s Andrew Ridgeley will reflect on his life-long friendship with George Michael, and there will also be a celebration of Decca Records, which celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2019.
British Queer Eye star Tan France discusses his upbringing, before the days of 'yaaas queen!' alongside The Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain. Gloucester’s celebrity chef Tom Kerridge talks about the delicious and nutritious home-cooked food, along with appearances from Ainsley Harriot and Bake Off star Liam Charles.
If you like a laugh, there are numerous comedians to look out for, including Richard Ayoade in an event sponsored by SoGlos; Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon; as well as Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, David Mitchell, Paul Merton, Jenny Éclair and Katy Brand. While, Gloucestershire small screen heroes Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper from This Country is sure to be popular with the local crowd.
Beloved BBC documentary maker Louis Theroux will be making his Cheltenham Literature Festival debut in 2019. The creator of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellows will reflect on the series’ charm, as it becomes a huge feature film.
Acting royalty Helena Bonham Carter will be revealing more about her long career on the screen, Cheltenham audiences can see Poirot himself, with David Suchet in attendance! Acclaimed actors Christopher Eccleston and Sheila Hancock will be talking Shakespeare; with Maureen Lipman in Cheltenham too.
Director Richard Curtis speaks about his love of The Beatles, following the release of his hit film Yesterday; while director and LGBT rights activist Dustin Lance Black will also make his Lit Fest debut.
Roll up to hear from Nell Gifford, founder of Giffords Circus in a celebration of her passion alongside Tweedy the Clown.
Former Prime Minister, David Cameron headlines the festival discussing his memoir For The Record and his views on Brexit. Radio 4's veteran presenter John Humphrys will give a glimpse behind the scenes of broadcast, while James O'Brien presents his comical guide to talking to people with ‘faulty opinions’.
There’s also the chance to hear from David Nott and his experiences as a trauma surgeon in the world's most dangerous war zones; alongside a range of political debates featuring journalists Danny Finkelstein, Sarah Baxter and Phillip Collins. Richard Dawkins, meanwhile, will be expanding further on atheism in Outgrowing God.
An inspirational list of speakers will share their unique journeys including Sue Perkins on the Mekong, Adam Weymouth on his solo canoe odyssey along the Yukon River, Dom Joly will trace his hike across Lebanon; Monisha Rajesh recounts her 45,000-mile adventure around the world’s railways in Around the world in 80 trains; while a highlight of the festival is BAFTA winning naturalist and television presenter, Steve Backshall sharing his adventures into undiscovered worlds.
Ultra-running record breaker, Mimi Anderson, who is the author of Beyond Impossible appears alongside a panel of phenomenally driven women in a talk called ‘Better, Faster, Stronger.’ While adventurers Mark Boyle and Ben Fogle will explore the joys of travelling without modern technology.
Returning to Cheltenham, novelist David Nicholls introduces his new book Sweet Sorrow, award-winning Ali Smith discusses the third book in her seasonal quartet series, Spring; while Philippa Gregory will be talking about her period page-turner Tidelands.
Jojo Moyes will impress audiences discussing The Giver Of Stars, based on a remarkable true story. Ian McEwan, the master storyteller behind Atonement also makes another Cheltenham appearance at the 2019 festival. With Colm Tóibín, Jung Chang Elif Shafak,
The Cheltenham Literature Festival crowds can also enjoy a celebration of the biggest books of the year such from Candice Carty-Williams, Elizabeth Macneal, Bridget Collins and Damian Barr, as well as new reads from Howard Jacobson, Victoria Hislop, Kevin Barry and Jessie Burton.
Featuring legendary children’s author Malorie Blackman speaking about her new novel from the, Noughts & Crosses series, the 2019 Cheltenham Literature Festival promises a children’s programme that’s packed with activities to excite the whole family.
The Magical World of Harry Potter is a fantastic family event, celebrating Potter-lore, fun facts, experience the sorting hat and even the chance to discuss Quidditch. Not to be missed for Potter fans!
The creator of Elmer, David McKee celebrates the 30th birthday of the much-loved patchwork elephant; while television presenter; Dermot O'Leary discusses the latest adventures of Toto the Ninja Cat; and the author of the Horrid Henry books, Francesca Simon will also appear at the festival.
Other household names include Danny Wallace, Dougie Poynter and Konnie Huq.
© SoGlos
Friday 16 August 2019
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