POET Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, Red Riding writer David Peace and wildlife lover Chris Packham will be just some of the famous faces at this year’s Shell Chester Literature Festival.
With 60 events ranging from author events, workshops, educational events and even a circus, the two week Litfestival, held across the city from Monday, October 3 to Sunday, October 18, aims to be the best one yet.
Tracy Lynn, director of Chester Festivals, said: “This is truly a festival with something to offer everyone, across ages, backgrounds and interests. It is a festival which takes its audience on a journey of discovery and revelation, through discussion, debates, talks and workshops.”
The star of this year’s celebrations is the first female Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, providing a workshop with invited primary schools in the morning and then an evening event for all to enjoy and listen to her famous poetry.
Passionate wildlife presenter Chris Packham, fresh from BBC Spring Watch, will focus on his wildlife photography collected on his many expeditions.
David Peace, author of the Red Riding series and The Damned United will talk about his work while Alastair Humphreys will talk about his one man cycle around the world, Richard Eyre, former director of the National Theatre will be discussing his book Talking Theatre and one of the UK’s most famous barristers Michael Mansfield will talk about his book Memoirs of a Radical Lawyer.
Chester born author David Whitely will be sharing his thoughts about his fantasy children’s book, The Midnight Charter.
Shell spokesperson Edward Brady said: “The Shell Chester Literature Festival is an integral part of the city’s artistic and cultural programme and we are pleased to sponsor the festival for the second year and ensure through our support that the programme continues to attract a wide audience.”
