“Hastings is a natural for a literary festival. In 2018, we got off to a flying start. I confidently expect the second edition in 2019 to be just as warm-hearted and exciting.”
Sir David Hare, Hastings Literary Festival Patron
LITFEST 2019 WILL BE HERE SOONER THAN YOU THINK!
AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS
PROGRAMME
Friday 30 August
Come and meet children’s fantasy author Kate O’Hearn. Suitable for young readers 9+ (must be accompanied by an adult).
Hastings Library
Details and tickets. free of charge but pre-booking required
You may also like: Little Ida’s Flowers with Theatre Rotto.
An opportunity to pitch your book to literary agent Hannah Sheppard of DHH Literary Agency. Appointments by timed pre-booked ticket only, and not on the door. Please note that you will need to submit a synopsis, biography and one chapter of your manuscript (which should be complete or nearly so) in advance of the session. White Rock Hotel.
Details and tickets.
Char March leads this workshop for anyone wanting to describe their own experience of ‘being different’ or to create convincing ‘different’ characters in their work. Hastings Contemporary Studio (formerly Jerwood Gallery)
You may also be interested in: VG Lee; Paul Burston in Conversation; The Big Night Out.
Literary Agent Hannah Sheppard on how to present your manuscript to an agent. Suitable for those who have a completed or nearly-completed manuscript (any genre). Hastings Contemporary Studio (formerly Jerwood Gallery).
You may also be interested in: Meet the Agent (1) and (2); Workshop 5 – The Art and Craft of Punctuation; Workshop 7 – Self-publishing for Authors.
Join Kate Wiseman, author of the Gangster School series. Hastings Library
Details and ticket information free of charge but pre-booking required
You may also like: Heroines and Monsters, Little Ida’s Flowers
The Caterpillar and the Blackbird. Enthralling narrated story & dance performance for children aged 5+ (must be accompanied by an adult). Performed by NarraDance and Kate O’Hearn. St Mary in the Castle
Details and tickets. free of charge but pre-booking required.
You may also like: Kate O’Hearn – Heroines and Monsters
Simon Guerrier and his very special guests as they look back (or is it forward?) in time, and behind the scenes of the iconic TV series. Families welcome. Kino Teatr
Details and ticket information.
You may also like: Workshop 3, Writing Science Fiction; Dystopian Fiction panel.
Hanna Jameson discusses her latest novel. White Rock Hotel.
Dr David Lewis re-examines the early life of Adolf Hitler and his path to power. White Rock Hotel.
You may also be interested in: The Truth about Edward VIII; Women of Westminster.
Join the award winning author of “The Prestige” and “The Glamour” as he talks about his life and work. St Mary in the Castle.
You may also be interested in: The Prestige screening, Dystopian Fiction workshop, My Father, the Legacy of George Orwell and Reflections on the Doctor.
Duncan Barrett’s book “Hitler’s British Isles” explores what it was really like for the occupants of Guernsey living under Nazi occupation. White Rock Hotel.
You may also be interested in: The Psychology of a Dictator; The Truth about Edward VIII; Women of Westminster.
Orwell’s son Richard Blair discusses his father’s literary achievements and his lasting impact on our view of the 20th Century and beyond. St Mary in the Castle.
You may also be interested in: Dystopian Fiction Panel; Kino Teatr, screening of 1984 with introduction by Suzanna Hamilton.
Ted Powell’s reappraisal of the King who reigned for just 326 days before his abdication, marriage to American divorcee Wallis Simpson, and exile in France. White Rock Hotel.
You may also be interested in: The Psychology of a Dictator; Guernsey Under Occupation; Women of Westminster.
Penny Pepper – the Naked Punk – poetry, passion and polemic. The Printworks.
You may also be interested in: VG Lee, Paul Burston and Salena Godden
This fabulous early music ensemble explores the imagined history of troubadour Countess Beatriz de Dia (1140-1212). Opus Theatre.
You may also enjoy: Shakespeare with Michael Pennington
Author Christopher Priest introduces the screening of the 2006 film starring Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, David Bowie and Scarlett Johansson. You’ll believe in Magic. Kino Teatr.
You may also be interested in: An Audience with Christopher Priest; Screening of 1984.
Eccentric, creative and innovative poet, troubadour, phenomenon, beloved of not just the steampunk crowd. St Mary in the Castle.
You may also enjoy: Reflections on the Doctor; Dystopian Fiction panel Tracey Thorn, Hanna Jameson – The Last.
Saturday 31 August
Fiction, non-fiction, antiquarian and collector volumes, readings by exhibiting authors and great coffee.
East Sussex College HASTINGS
Comedy Scriptwriting. An all-day workshop led by John Knowles, with two professional actors on hand to bring your work to life. An active writing workshop with a focus on comedy duologues. Upstairs at The Jenny Lind Inn.
You may also be interested in: VG Lee; Shakespeare with Michael Pennington.
Richard Blair, Hanna Jameson, Kevin Brooks and Suzanna Hamilton (Chair TBA) discuss the genre. Kino Teatr.
Details – tickets from Kino Teatr
You may also be interested in: Screening of 1984; Workshop 3 – Writing Science Fiction. My Father: the Legacy of George Orwell.
Dr Who specialist Simon Guerrier takes you through the portal to Sci-fi writing success. White Rock Hotel.
Also for Sci-fi fans: Reflections on the Doctor.
Dr Nadine Willems, lecturer in Japanese History, and Paul Rossiter of Isobar Press introduced by Antony Mair. A fascinating introduction to the life and work of a working-class Japanese poet in the early 20th Century. Poems read in translation. White Rock Hotel.
You may also like: Kei Miller; Owen Lowery; V G Lee.
Danuta Kean chairs a panel of industry experts to discuss all aspects and challenges around publishing.
East Sussex College Hastings.
You may also like: Workshop 7, Self-publishing.
Tabby Stirling talks to this critically acclaimed British novelist, poet and playwright. Stade Hall.
Led by author Angela Kecojevic this workshop gives children of all ages the opportunity to create an animal /creature that could live at Hobbledown Adventure Farm.
Free but must be booked in advance. Hastings Library.
You may also like: Workshop 8, Storytelling with Puppets
Author G D Harper provides an in-depth look at successful self-publishing, from cover design to editing, marketing strategy, and online/media presence. This is an all-day intensive workshop suitable for those who have a book close to completion, whether new authors or those who have previously been traditionally or independently published. Ticket price includes a copy of G D Harper’s new novel A Friend in Deed and full presentation materials. Hastings Contemporary Studio (formerly Jerwood Gallery).
You may also be interested in: Meet the Agent (1); Workshop 2, Preparing Your Novel for Submission.
Join local Hastings writers Sally Gardner and Catherine Johnson in conversation.
Stade Hall.
You may also be interested in Tabby Stirling in conversation, Mrs Pankhurst’s Purple Feather with Tessa Boase
Suzanna Hamilton, who played Julia, introduces this classic film. Kino Teatr.
Everything But The Girl singer and novelist on her new book Another Planet. With Wayne Herbert.
East Sussex College Hastings
Led by Nicky Torode and Felicity Stephen.
Expressive and creative writing are effective ways at improving your wellbeing by releasing your thoughts, by gaining clarity and by seeing things from a different perspective. East Sussex College Hastings.
Original ideas, atmospheric settings, intriguing but convincing characters: some of the hallmarks of great writing. But where do they come from?
If you’re stuck for fresh ideas, look to the lives of others!. White Rock Hotel.
Author and journalist Maggie Alderson leads this workshop. White Rock Hotel.
details
Stade Hall
Join Ed for an exciting mix of drawing and creative writing activities inspired by the moon and the poems and illustrations in Moonstruck.
Free but pre-booking required.
Hastings Library
You may also like: The Caterpillar and the Blackbird.
An opportunity to pitch your book to literary agent Hannah Sheppard of DHH Literary Agency. Appointments by timed pre-booked ticket only, and not on the door. Please note that you will need to submit a synopsis, biography and one chapter of your manuscript (which should be complete or nearly so) in advance of the session.
White Rock Hotel.
The Jamaican poet and novelist reads new work. East Sussex College Hastings.
Local author and comedian VG Lee reads from her latest collection and talks about starting writing in her forties.
Stade Hall.
You may also like: Paul Burston in conversation with Suzi Feay; The Litfest Big Night Out; Tracey Thorn in Conversation.
Poet, former world judo champion and tetraplegic Owen Lowery explores themes of art, literature, military history, love, and football. Kino Teatr.
Details – (tickets from Kino Teatr)
You may also like: The Kotan Chronicles of Sarashino Genzo; VG Lee; Workshop 4: In Other Words – writing poetry with Kim Lasky; Paul Burston.
Local author Paul Burston on his new book The Closer I Get with Suzi Feay, literary critic and writer.
Stade Hall.
Michael Pennington, co-founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company, gives an astounding one-man performance, bringing the Bard of Stratford to life. Opus Theatre.
You may also be interested in: Workshop 8 – Writing Comedy with John Knowles.
Renaissance One presents Don’t Stop the Carnival – the story of Black music in Britain – with journalist and broadcaster Kevin Le Gendre and musical guests.
Stade Hall.
Stade Hall.
Three events make one great evening! See Paul Burston in conversation with Suzi Feay, Kevin Le Gendre and guest musician, and Salena Godden for just one ticket.
Stade Hall
Book now – capacity is limited!
Sunday 1 September
TV producer and presenter, author and explorer Lucy Cooke demolishes the myths and mystique surrounding some of the world’s best-loved creatures. Fascinating! Suitable for families (children 12+). St Mary in the Castle.
You may also like: Species that Changed the World.
Author Rachel Reeves MP in conversation with Danuta Kean. 100 years after the first woman took her seat in Parliament, a fascinating new look at the political pioneers who changed Britain forever. Royal Victoria Hotel
Theatre Rotto’s puppets, shadows and marionettes bring a little girl’s toy room magically to life. The Printworks.
with evolutionary anthropologist Professor Alice Roberts. Discover how three of our best-loved species have helped shape the human world. St Mary in the Castle.
You may also like: The Unexpected Truth about Animals.
Tessa Boase discusses her hugely successful book about Etta Lemon and her campaign against the use of feathers in millinery which led to the foundation of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Royal Victoria Hotel.
Festival Patron Sir David Hare with publisher Tabby Stirling, invited guests, Festival Friends and sponsors, announces the winners of this year’s Festival competitions for Poem, Flash Fiction and Short Story on the theme In Other Words, and presents prizes and trophies. Sir David will also reveal the theme for next year’s Hastings Literary Festival.
Royal Victoria Hotel
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