Lavenham Literary Festival

What? The historic village of Lavenham will this year launch its own literary festival. The festival, backed by the East Anglian Daily Times, will run from November 20 to 22 and feature bestselling authors.

It was the idea of Sir Clive Rose, who has lived in the medieval west Suffolk village for 30 years.

Sir Clive said: “Thousands of visitors come to Lavenham every year to see our church, Guildhall and other historic buildings, but what they do not see is that this is a village with a vibrant cultural life. We want to do something to bring people in for something other than the wonderful buildings.”

A non-profit making company has been set up to run the festival. Chairman Valerie Thompson said it was hoped that the village primary school would benefit from any money made.

Who? Rose Tremain, John Warwicker (Churchill's Army), Ronald Blythe, Alison Weir, Barbara Erskine, Mike Ripley, Lord Phillips of Sudbury

When? 2010 TBA - November 20 - 22nd, 2009

Where? Lavenham, West Suffolk | AA Route Planner | multimap

How much? TBA- On sale in September

Festival Website: No site at time of writing (March 2nd, 2009)

What you missed (or maybe didn't) at the last festival: Inaugural event this year

Timetabled Events

Friday 20th November

Literary Dinner at the Swan, 7.00pm
Lord Phillips of Sudbury will give the after dinner speech

Saturday 21st November

Creative writing class with Mike Ripley
9.00am – 1.00pm at the Swan

Mike Ripley is the multi award winning author of the fifteen book “Angel” series of novels and of historical books. The “Angel” series are set in Essex and London, and it has been said that he “paints a picture of London that Dickens would recognise”.

Ronald Blythe
10.00am -11.00am at the Village Hall

Since his classic novel “Akenfield” propelled him to fame some forty years ago, Ronald Blythe has delighted readers with his evocative poetry and novels, many of which reflect
his East Anglian background. To quote John Updike, his writing is “exquisite”.

Rose Tremain
2.30pm – 3.30pm at the Village Hall

Novelist Rose Tremain has written eleven best selling novels, short stories and a book for children. Her work has been nominated twice for the Booker Prize and she has won many awards, including the Orange Prize for her 2008 novel “The Road Home”.

Alison Weir
5.00pm – 6.00pm at the Village Hall

Alison Weir is one of Britain’s most popular historians. Her “hugely popular history books are as gripping as novels.” (The Times.) She has written thirteen best selling history books, many set in the Tudor period, and four historical novels. Alison Weir’s
books engage both our hearts and our minds..

Sunday 22nd November

Coffee and cake with Barbara Erskine
10am-11am at the Village Hall

Barbara Erskine’s first Novel “Lady of Hay”, sold over a million copies. Her subsequent books demonstrate her interest in history and the supernatural; she is acknowledged as a leader in her field.