Now in its 21st year, Bath’s Literature Festival sweeps into the city again on Friday 26th February and runs until Sunday 6th March (Mothering Sunday).
Not only will the festival be celebrating its coming of age, but 2016 is also the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, and as such you will find smatterings of Shakespeare throughout the 10 days.
Forever Young is the theme of this year’s Literature Festival, and you will find a plethora of talks and workshops from political thinkers, students, authors, comedians and naturalists.
Although there will be many celebrations at reaching the milestone 21 years, it is also a sad goodbye to Artistic Director, Vic Groskop; but we’re sure her replacement will do just as sterling a job.
Artistic Director of Bath Literature Festival Viv Groskop
Kicking off the festival will be a literary flash mob in the Southgate Shopping area on the Friday, so keep your eyes peeled for sudden snippets of sonnets throughout the day.
Bath’s Literature Festival is always jam packed full of exciting and interesting events. We’ve picked a few of our favourites here:
– Gloria Steinem: A Life in Feminism (Saturday 27th February) – her first visit to the UK in over 20 years this is a fantastic opportunity to hear Steinem in the city.
– Shakespeare Rattle and Roll (Friday 4th March) – Shakespeare as you’ve never heard before – mixing music of the 1960s and 70s with the famous writer’s works.
– Stealing the Scene Workshop ( Monday 29th February) – perfect workshop for first time writers on the importance of engaging your audience from the start of your play.
– Matt Haig: Reasons to Stay Alive (Saturday 5th February) – depression saw Haig plunge to the depths of despair and almost end his life. Hear how writing about his experiences aided in his recovery.
– Bath Pitchfest (Saturday 5th February) – this is your opportunity to pitch first hand to literary agents.
– Poetry Slam (Thursday 3rd March) – come and hear one of the World Slam finalists, along with a National Slam Champion, explain more about this growing popular form of poetry rendition, and experience it for yourself.
– Harry Leslie Smith (Sunday 6th March) – 91 year old Harry Smith, a RAF Veteran and political campaigner talks frankly to Bath’s audiences.
– Daphne Self: The Way We Wore (Sunday 6th March) – the world’s oldest supermodel, Daphne Self (87) comes to Bath to share her fashion advice and her experience of the catwalk. We’re hoping Bath’s own fashionista, Jean Woods(77), will be in the audience!
Along with these highlights there are various walking tours to enjoy, including a Victorian Pub Crawl and a walk around Green Park Station. You can also celebrate Concorde, hear from debut novelists, or explore Brazil, Spain, and the Himalayas with various writers.
From news correspondent, Christina Lamb, comedian Al Murray and antique expert Marc Allum to jazz musician Jamie Cullum, philosopher A C Grayling and Blue Peter’s Janet Ellis; Bath’s Literature Festival has once again out done itself with the plethora of international stars who will be coming to impart their knowledge, advice and stories to us.
To book your accommodation during the Literature Festival, call us on 01225 463134 or book online here. Rooms are available from £99.00 per room per night including breakfast. Midweek Leisure Break available from £119.00 per person for 2 nights DBB. Two night Spa Break available from £159 per person.