FESTIVAL LITERATURE LINE UP in 2009
FESTIVAL LITERATURE LINE UP in 2009
This year the literature programme at Salisbury International Arts Festival is better than ever, with famous names including Melvyn Bragg, politician Tony Benn, actress Diana Quick and father of London Mayor Stanley Johnson taking to the stage here in Salisbury.
Lucy O’Neill, Literature Programmer says: I wanted to put together a varied literature programme touching on many different subjects. I am delighted that such a fascinating array of speakers will be coming to the Festival this year and I hope that you are looking forward to welcoming to the city as much as I am!
The delicious offering starts with celebrity cook, Sophie Grigson. Her latest book The Vegetable Bible is packed full of creations that place vegetables at the heart of a dish. She appears in conversation with Fanny Charles, editor of the Blackmore Vale Magazine, who is also a passionate promoter of food excellence. Also on a foodie theme is Yasmin Alibhai-Brown: she has woven her tale of food and cultural fusion, The Settlers Cookbook, into a warm, personal memoir and beguiling story. As one of our leading commentators on race, multiculturalism and human rights Yasmin is sure to give a fascinating talk.
Veteran labour politician Tony Benn will talk frankly about his life in politics. His national tour has had many sell out events and our evening is heading quickly in that direction. He retired from the House of Commons in 2001 after fifty one years in Parliament, to ‘devote more time to politics’.
Novelist and broadcaster Melvyn Bragg explores autobiography in his recent novels, including The Soldier's Return, Son of War, Crossing the Lines and the most recent, and perhaps most autobiographical, Remember Me… On the flip side Booker Prize winning novelist Graham Swift presents his first book of non fiction, from the writer of Waterland and Last Orders comes Making an Elephant, a singular and open spirited account of his life.
But it’s not all serious… grumpy old man, comedian and broadcaster Arthur Smith presents his hilarious memoir, My Name is Daphne Fairfax – this should be a great night; journalist Matthew Engel presents his book Eleven Minutes Late which humorously charts our obsession with trains and is the perfect event for anyone who has endured a ‘British Rail Sandwich’ or been made late by ‘the wrong kind of snow’.
Beloved actress Diana Quick talks about her just released memoir The Tug on the Thread in which she has delved into her family history – there discovering exotic roots that go back to the British Raj. Also with a historical bent is Trea Martyn’s Elizabeth in the Garden which is the beguiling story of how Elizabeth I’s two great courtiers fought a lifelong duel fro her affections with their lavish and spectacular gardens!
Many diverse fields are represented; the music world with Alexander Waugh playing the piano to illuminate lively discussion about his book concerning the tragic and colourful life of pianist Paul Wittgenstein and his family; and the world of science with Graham Farmelo, whose book The Strangest Man explores the human and moving tale of Paul Dirac, the greatest British physicist since Newton. Graham will be joined on stage by Robin McKie, The observer’s Science and Technology Editor.
Charles Foster challenges traditional viewpoints The Selfless Gene in which he assesses the claims of neo Darwinists and Young Earth Creationists, offering the prospect of a reconciliation between two opposing world views. Also spiritually focused is the historical recreation by Nick Page in his book The Longest Week – which will explore the facts and explode the myths around the events of Jesus’ last week.
The programme, which includes 17 talks over 16 days, is supported by a consortium of Salisbury’s independent bookshops: Cross Keys Bookshop and Sarum College Bookshop. As well as financial commitment to the programme, they supply books for signing at the events, as well as selling them via their own shops.
The Festival will also be selling tickets from their Crane Street Office – come in for a browse and a chat.
Booking Information:
Tickets can be purchased in person from Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury City Hall, Salisbury TIC or the Festival Office.
Tickets can be purchased by phone or online:
Box Office: 0845 241 9651
To book online visit www.salisburyfestival.co.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For more information contact:
Rosa Corbishley
Communications & Development Manager
Salisbury International Arts Festival
87 Crane Street
Salisbury SP1 2PU
01722 332241 rosa@salisburyfestival.co.uk
The Salisbury International Arts Festival has a distinguished history of presenting international arts events both traditional and contemporary across 17 days of celebrations each summer. The Festival has developed into a major annual UK multi-arts event, presenting every major artform, in the stunning setting of Salisbury, Wiltshire.
The Salisbury International Arts Festival is supported by Friends Provident, Wiltshire Council and Arts Council England – South West.