Books / Literature Festival
Festival season promises a wealth of inspiring events
If confirmation were needed of the strength of Bristol’s ever-expanding literature scene, then look no further than the sumptuous feast of book-related festivals happening throughout the month of October.
The events feature a superb array of writers, illustrators, performers, journalists, academics and more. Here are some highlights of what will be on offer, including a brand new children’s festival during half term.
First on stage is the third Festival of the Future City, which takes place from October 16 to October 18. Set over three days the festival, which is programmed and produced by Bristol Festival of Ideas, brings together writers, artists, politicians, scientists, academics, journalists, filmmakers and others to look at key issues facing cities and offer solutions on various subjects including: big city thinking, the fourth industrial revolution, populism and dealing with the results of populism, Brexit, and how cities are dealing with legacies of slavery and civil war.
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The stunning lineup of guest speakers and performers includes: Ece Temelkuran, Carrie Gracie, Paul Mason, Kerry Hudson, Jay Bernard, Amelia Gentleman, David Olusoga and Nadiya Hussain. Also appearing are several Bristol-based contributors including Madge Dresser, Eugene Byrne, Lawrence Hoo, Edson Burton and Asher Craig.
Bristol Festival of Literature returns with 11 days of great events, performances and workshops in unexpected places across the city. The festival runs from October 17 to October 27.
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Highlights for 2019 include bestselling crime writer, Sarah Hilary; Sufi poetry at Easton Jamia Mosque; top-drawer Bristol-based thriller writers, Emily Koch and Jane Shemilt; a one-day writers’ retreat; and hugely influential poet, Anthony Anaxagorou in conversation with game-changing novelist, journalist and broadcaster, Nikesh Shukla.
And towards the end of the month a new children’s literature festival, Storytale, has its first outing. Running from October 26 to November 3 and coinciding with half term, the festival aims to “bring books, storytelling, and poetry to children across the city” in a host of different venues.
The nine-day festival features a wide variety of workshops, readings and performances. Writers and illustrators appearing include Mimi Thebo (Dreaming the Bear), Kate Frost (Time Shifters), Wallace and Gromit films co-author Bob Baker, Bristol-based debut author Damaris Young (The Switching Hour), Elika Ansari (Seacity Rising), Bath-based YA author Tracy Darnton (The Truth About Lies), Gabriel Dylan (Whiteout), and Bristol artists/illustrators Paula Bowles and Andy Council.
And if bibliophiles are seeking more stimulation, Bristol Radical History Festival will take place at M Shed on October 12, and Bristol-Con’s annual Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention will be at Hilton DoubleTree Hotel on October 26.
For full information including timings, venues and ticket prices for all events, visit:
- www.futurecityfestival.co.uk
- www.bristolliteraturefestival.org
- www.storytalefestival.com
- www.brh.org.uk/site/event-series/bristol-radical-history-festival-2019
- www.bristolcon.org
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