Suffolk Libraries have announced the dates of their second book festival which will be taking place across the county this October.
Suffolk Libraries Bookfest will take place during the half term week from Friday 21 to Sunday 30 October and will involve a range of talks and workshops by authors and poets with events for younger and older readers. All the talks will take place in libraries or nearby venues.
Events confirmed so far include an afternoon tea with James Runcie, the creator of the Grantchester TV series; a magic act launching the new murder mystery from Elly Griffiths; music and readings with renowned poet Liz Lochhead; and conversation with best-selling novelists including Barbara Erskine, Chris Cleave, Gavin Extence and Erin Kelly.
Politician Alan Johnson will talk about the third in his series of memoirs and historian Sian Evans will present her new book ‘Queen Bees’, an account of society women in the 1920s. Further events will shortly be confirmed.
Children’s activities and events will also take place at libraries throughout the county and on 28-29 October, the village of Lavenham will hold its first Children’s Book Festival, in association with the library. Included in its programme is a visit from Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell. In addition to various ‘meet the author’ sessions, events at Lavenham will include storytelling for children of all ages and workshops on drawing and book illustrating.
Alison Wheeler, Chief Executive of Suffolk Libraries, said: “We have some excellent authors visiting us and a true festival feel to the events we are holding throughout the county this year. There’s something here for everyone, we hope, and an atmosphere that shows the excitement and thrill we feel from reading and books. 2016 is our Year of Reading so we’re hoping this year’s Bookfest will be really special.”
More events are still to be confirmed across Suffolk and for more information on events or to buy tickets, visit www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/bookfest
Events confirmed so far:
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Tuesday 25 October 2016
Gavin Extence at Bury St Edmunds Library at 7.30pm.
North and south: poetry with Liz Lochhead and Tiffany Atkinson – at Beccles Library at 7.30pm.
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Wednesday 26 October 2016
James Runcie on writing for TV at Southwold Library from 3pm.
An evening of poetry and music with Liz Lochhead and band at Woodbridge Library
Meet the author Barbara Erskine at Sudbury Library
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Thursday 27 October 2016
Tea and cake with James Runcie at Lavenham Library from 3pm.
Meeting Queen Bees with Historian Sian Evans at Halesworth Library
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Saturday 29 October 2016
The magic of Elly Griffiths at Felixstowe Library where local author Elly will be launching her new book
