Cultural hot spot The Amelia (named after the social reformer and campaigner for women’s suffrage, Amelia Scott) will be opening on Thurs 28 April in the centre of Tunbridge Wells after its £20 million development.

It will be a ground-breaking cultural and community space, housing a museum, contemporary art space, library with the Tourist Information Centre, Adult Education and frontline Council services, all in one new integrated venue.

Their opening kicks off with Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival on Fri 29 April to Mon 2 May with a stellar line-up of authors – David Baddiel and Jo Brand to name a few! Fact or fiction, popular or niche, there will surely be something for everyone at the Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival!

WHAT’S ON: FRI 29 APRIL

Friday sees one of Britain’s most beloved comedians and celebrated author, David Baddiel headlining the Festival at the Assembly Hall Theatre at 8pm. Never shy about voicing his socio-political concerns, he’ll discussing his most recent authorial venture Jews Don’t Count.

Plus phenomenally accomplished author Christine Patterson will be at Trinity Theatre from 4pm with her astonishing familial memoir, Outside The Sky is Blue which charts the journey through Christina’s childhood to the struggles of her adult life, all set against the backdrop of a crushing personal loss.

Did you like This Will Hurt? Well you won’t want to miss Ed Patrick (doctor, podcast host and award-winning comedian) discussing his hilarious yet harrowing memoir, Catch Your Breath: The Secret of a Sleepless Anaesthetist at the Trinity Theatre at 2pm. Fantastically funny, Ed will take you on a rollercoaster ride of the unexpected moments of life on the NHS frontline.

WHAT’S ON: SAT 30 APRIL

Saturday night’s headliner, Jo Brand will be at the Assembly Hall Theatre from 8pm where she’ll be talking about her most recent book, Born Lippy: How to Do Female.

Don’t miss one of tele’s most recognisable faces – wildlife presenter, star of Channel 5’s Escape To The Farm and national treasure, Kate Humble. You can see her at Assembly Hall Theatre at 2:30pm where you’ll be able to tuck into her brand new recipe book, Home Cooked: Recipes from the Farm. A stunning collection of simple, seasonal dishes – inspired from life on the farm in her TV series – covering everything from day-to-day cooking to special, celebratory occasions.

For anyone interested in modern politics, this event is a must.  The Guardian’s celebrated duo, columnist Polly Toynbee and contributing editor David Walker, will be discussing their latest collaborative effort, The Lost Decade: 2010 – 2020 and What Lies Ahead, at The Trinity Theatre from 7:30pm.

KIDS: Showing all day (11am-4pm, no ticket required!) is Beached, the latest show from award-winning Strangeface Theatre Company in The Green Room of the new Amelia Scott building. Listen on headphones as a magical word unfolds that will captivate the whole family.

YA author Darren Shan who will be giving short readings from all his major series from Archibald Lox, Zom-B, The Demonata and Cirque Du Freak! at The Trinity Theatre, comedian Sion James Green will be talking about this latest middle-grade book, Sleepover Takeover and Gay Club! and author/illustrator Cate Douglas will be reading her adorable, picture book, Poppy’s Tail – FREE Poppy’s Tail bookmarks, stickers and activity sheets for all!

WHAT’S ON: SUN 1 MAY

The talented debut author Melissa Fu will be talking about her first novel, the achingly beautiful Peach Blossom Spring on the Upper Atrium of the Amelia Scott building at 10:30am.

The Forum will see shows from journalist and biographer Graeme Thomson, don’t miss this truly special spoken word event with Patrick Jones and finally psychedelic pioneer Bobby Gillespie will be discussing his exhilarating memoir Tenement Kid.

Much loved actor and best-selling crime writer Robert Daws will be Trinity Theatre from 5pm performing his specially created solo show where you’ll hear about his bestselling Sullivan and Broderick crime series plus The Rock and his most recent work, Killing Rock.

Join much-lauded poet, author and and UNHCR Ambassador JJ Bola, whose profoundly moving sophomore novel, The Selfless Act of Breathing works to clear the shame and secrecy of men’s mental health and how important it is for men to talk and care for one another at Trinity Theatre, 8pm.

KIDS: Actor, activist and multi award-winning children’s author Manjeet Mann and picture book illustrator Amanda Quartey will be talking about their new book, Small’s Big Dream, a stunning and lyrical ode to aspiration that encourages children to always dream bag, no matter how small their world may seem! Manjeet Mann will also be talking about her award-winning YA novel, The Crossing at Trinity Theatre at 2pm.

You won’t want to miss exciting new writer Skye McKenna who will be at The Amelia Scott to discuss her marvellously magical authorial debut, Hedgewitch, a fresh new take on a much-loved middle-grade formula, and the first of five books in a stunning fantasy series sure to take the world by storm!

WHAT’S ON: MON 2 MAY

The last day of the festival will see more exciting shows! Meet the authors of 12 Hours to Say I Love You, actors and married couple, Olivia Poulet and Laurence Dobiesz who will share the story of how their BBC 4 comedy drama about IVF treatment, inspired this story.

Sports fans don’t miss Sunday Times bestseller Pat Nevin at The Assembly Hall Theatre who will beguile us with his tales of life in football, his love of culture and his passion for indie-music.

Plus Patrick Gale, Sarfraz Manzoor and social media’s favourite foodie Adam Shaw and his latest book How To Grow Your Family.

KIDS: Spend time with bestselling children’s author, Kiran Millwood Hargrave who will be talking about her most recent middle-grade release and winner of Waterstones Children’s Gift of the Year 2021, Julia and the Shark, about the enduring power of hope, even in the darkest of times.

Don’t miss Sita Brahmachari and Natalie Sirett at the Assembly Hall Theatre at 2:30pm with their Best Young Adult Novel of 2021, When Shadows Fall. Hear about their writer’s and artist’s collaborative process but also have the chance to make poems and drawings of your own!

Book your tickets now!