The 20th anniversary of the Lichfield Literature Festival promises an exhilarating celebration of the written word, with a diverse four-day programme announced for March 19 to 22. Taking place across various venues in the historic city, this milestone event showcases a rich tapestry of literary talent, spanning genres from politics and environmental science to history, fiction, comedy, and cuisine.
A Stellar Line-Up of Authors and Topics
Festival-goers can look forward to insights from a plethora of leading authors discussing their recent book releases. Highlights include broadcaster and music enthusiast John Suchet, who will delve into the life of Beethoven in his talk In Search of Beethoven. Celebrated historian and Lichfield Festival patron Tracy Borman will uncover the true events surrounding James I's succession, while best-selling historian Alison Weir explores the lives of five 15th-century queens entangled in wars that reshaped their destinies.
Fiction and Political Commentary
In the realm of fiction, award-winning author and comedian Robert Newman, famed as half of the TV duo Newman and Baddiel, presents his gripping novel about wartime love and espionage. The festival also offers fascinating political commentary from both sides of the divide, featuring former Conservative Chief Whip Simon Hart, whose diaries cover Brexit, Liz Truss's premiership, and the Ukraine invasion, alongside Guardian parliamentary sketch-writer and satirist John Crace.
Investigative Journalism and Architectural Insights
Journalist Lucia Osborne-Crowley, who reported daily from the Ghislaine Maxwell trial, will examine what constitutes true reparative justice. Meanwhile, biographer Andrew Lownie, known for his work on the Duke and Duchess of York, brings authoritative commentary on unfolding news stories. Architectural enthusiasts can enjoy Charles Saumarez Smith's exploration of architect John Vanbrugh's legacy on the tercentenary of his death, and stonemason Andrew Ziminski shares his passion for medieval church architecture.
Diverse Subjects and Opening Event
The festival's 22 events traverse colliding worlds of geopolitics and climate change, surprising patient stories that explain the brain's role in identity, and light-hearted memoirs from stand-up comedian Pierre Novellie, who was diagnosed with autism at age 31. Other topics include the life of George Orwell, a chef's tour of British cuisine, and popular culture of the inter-war years with historian Alwyn Turner, a former Lichfield teenager.
Lichfield Literature opens on March 19 with novelist Annie Garthwaite, who tells the story of Cecily, Duchess of York, the first to claim the title 'The King's Mother', highlighting fierce maternal ambition.
Director's Enthusiasm and Booking Details
Damian Thantrey, director of the Lichfield Festival which organises Lichfield Literature, expressed his excitement: "Our spring Literature Festival continues to go from strength to strength, and we're thrilled with the list of authors joining us for our 20th anniversary season. With 22 events across four days, there are highlights aplenty whatever your interests. Please come and join us to celebrate the power of books and words to move, inspire, and provoke conversation!"
General booking for Lichfield Literature opens on February 10. The festival runs from March 19 to 22 in Lichfield, Staffordshire, offering a vibrant platform for literary enthusiasts to engage with compelling narratives and thought-provoking discussions.
