A bi-annual Literary Festival, established in 2006, where the organisers from Harts Books offer, over the course of a month, an eclectic mix of topics and viewpoints. Their simple philosophy is to bring together the very best speakers and the very best audiences in intimate spaces where they can really get to know each other, and all can share a very special and memorable experience.
Poets, novelists, philosophers, politicians, historians, biographers, academics, explorers, scientists, medics, musicians, comedians, critics and cooks have all been warmly welcomed by audiences in past years. Words in Walden's aim for the future is to continue to do more of the same, but always exploring new opportunities and ideas.
When? Rolling series
Where? Saffron Walden, Essex (Nr Cambridge)
Who? Speakers programme
Website? Words in Walden
Twitter? @WordsinWalden
Facebook? Words in Walden
Tickets? Festival tickets through Saffron Tickets. Across the counter at Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre, OR Harts Books on Shire Hill, or by phone on 01799 523456.
Festival Director? Jo Burch (pictured right with author Rob Macfarlane)
Who has appeared at past festivals? - David Starkey, Chris Beardshaw, Germaine Greer, Andrew Motion, Nicholas Crane, David Crystal, Barry Norman, Jojo Moyes, Tim Hayward, Jonathan Miller, Steve Jones, Heidi Thomas, and many, many more ......
In Autumn 2014- Will Self, Professor Pedro Ferreira, Anna Whitelock, Nixiwaka Yawanawa, Irma Kurtz, Ursula Ferrigno, John McCarthy, James Mayhew & Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra, Mark Cocker, Baroness Shirley Williams -Download 2014 Programme (PDF 1.22mb)
Established? 2006
'I've been to many literary festivals over the years, but Words in Walden is in a class of its own. You all made me feel so welcome that it felt more like a fireside chat than “a talk”'.
NICHOLAS CRANE
'Thank you for looking after me so well (which is rare) and so stylishly (which is unheard of).'
DAVID STARKEY (left)
' … a splendid evening - lovely audience, excellent interviewer. I enjoyed it immensely …'
BARRY NORMAN
' … a terrific evening. The questions were excellent, the place packed, the audience warm and generous and you were so kind in all that you did. You run a wonderful ship.'
ROBERT MACFARLANE
Visitor Information? http://www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk/
If you are involved in this festival you can update or change details via the organisers page . Authors can list here.