Literary festival returns with acclaimed authors and TV personalities
Following last year's success, the Havering Literary Festival returns to the borough with a host of award-winning authors, acclaimed journalists and social media sensations.
Taking place from Monday 4 November to Saturday 23 November 2019 in libraries across the borough, the festival programme is packed with events, talks and workshops for all ages, designed to celebrate, inspire and nurture a love of reading.
Heading a line-up of over 40 events this year will be Martina Cole; crime author of more than a dozen No.1 bestsellers, Simon Calder; Britain’s leading travel writer and TV personality, who will be joined by Dr Claire Corkhill to discuss the nuclear disaster Chernobyl, and Alice Roberts; anthropologist, broadcaster and popular science book author responsible for presenting BBC’s Coast and The Incredible Human Journey.
For history enthusiasts, the festival offers a talk with architectural historian and TV presenter Dan Cruickshank, as well as historical novelists Lindsey Davis and Elizabeth Chadwick.
Crime and thriller fans can enjoy sessions with internationally acclaimed authors Adele Parks and James Oswald, as well as home-grown, Romford-based author Mel McGrath.
There’s plenty for children and schools to enjoy, including award-winning author Sally Nichols, who will be hosting pre-school and baby bounce sessions throughout the festival. Schools will also be able to enjoy a talk with two leading children’s writers/illustrators as well as other sessions across the three weeks.
Councillor Viddy Persaud, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “We are proud to be bringing back the Havering Literary Festival following the success of its inaugural year in 2018. Just like last year, the festival is packed with something for all tastes and ages.
“The festival is an opportunity for us to bring communities across the borough together and encourage residents to enjoy reading – whether that be through meeting their favourite authors or inspiring a new generation of readers.”
Tickets can be purchased online and from any library in Havering.