insideKENT Magazine Issue 49 - April 2016 | Page 89

VISITKENT CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE LITERARY FESTIVAL On Sunday, Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday 1st-3rd May, Chiddingstone Castle has lined up an impressive list of celebrated authors, actors, poets and theatrical groups to entertain story lovers of all ages in this idyllic Kentish setting. Located near Edenbridge, this event is a first of its kind in this corner of West Kent. Fascinated by how Churchill managed his finances? Loving the new John Le Carré adaptation on BBC1 and want to know more about the author himself? Intrigued to hear about the exciting new novel by former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis? Keen to see Downton Abbey and Cold Feet actor Robert Bathurst performing a fascinating platform play? Want to ask questions of the Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell? Keen to learn more about the problems in Afghanistan with former BBC newsreader Sandy Gall? Heard of the famous historian Antony Beevor and want to learn more about his view of Syria? Fancy watching an inspirational theatrical performance of Beatrix Potter’s The Tailor of Gloucester in the Castle’s Victorian Orangery? All this and much, much more… Taking place in the glorious house and grounds of Chiddingstone Castle, the festival brings you an inspiring selection of new and established writers to provoke debate, stimulate discussion and entertain. The programme on Sunday will appeal to adults and teenagers whilst Bank Holiday Monday has events for all the family. Tuesday’s Schools Programme celebrates the joys of reading with appearances from a number of wonderful children’s authors. Come for one event or stay all day. Enjoy an array of delicious food, drinks, cocktails and local Larkins beer. Tickets to the festival are on sale NOW and include free entry to the Castle and its collections. 89 There will be literary walks around the grounds, storytelling for children, drama performances and an ‘espresso’ theatre stall from the Royal Court Theatre. Online booking for tickets for all the main events now available via www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/literaryfestival or call 0800 0337 564.