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.
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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.