Kent

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="628" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-amelia-scott.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71624" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-amelia-scott.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-amelia-scott-800x502.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-amelia-scott-400x251.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-amelia-scott-768x482.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-amelia-scott-836x525.jpg 836w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Cultural hot spot <a href="https://theamelia.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Amelia (opens in a new tab)">The Amelia</a> (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. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="523" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-amelia-tunbridge-wells-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71653" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-amelia-tunbridge-wells-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-amelia-tunbridge-wells-1-800x418.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-amelia-tunbridge-wells-1-400x209.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-amelia-tunbridge-wells-1-768x402.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/the-amelia-tunbridge-wells-1-900x471.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Their opening kicks off with <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/" target="_blank">Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival</a> on Fri 29 April to Mon 2 May with a stellar line-up of authors &#8211; 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!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT&#8217;S ON: FRI 29 APRIL</h2>



Friday sees one of Britain&#8217;s most beloved comedians and celebrated author, <a href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/david-baddiel-jews-dont-count/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="David Baddiel (opens in a new tab)">David Baddiel</a> headlining the Festival at the Assembly Hall Theatre at 8pm. Never shy about voicing his socio-political concerns, he&#8217;ll discussing his most recent authorial venture Jews Don&#8217;t Count. 



Plus phenomenally accomplished author <a href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/christina-patterson-outside-the-sky-is-blue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Christine Patterson (opens in a new tab)">Christine Patterson</a> will be at Trinity Theatre from 4pm with her astonishing familial memoir, Outside The Sky is Blue which charts the journey through Christina&#8217;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&#8217;t want to miss <a href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/ed-patrick-catch-your-breath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Ed Patrick (opens in a new tab)">Ed Patrick</a> (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. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71812" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT&#8217;S ON: SAT 30 APRIL</h2>



Saturday night&#8217;s headliner, <a href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/jo-brand-born-lippy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Jo Brand (opens in a new tab)">Jo Brand</a> will be at the Assembly Hall Theatre from 8pm where she&#8217;ll be talking about her most recent book, Born Lippy: How to Do Female. 



Don&#8217;t miss one of tele&#8217;s most recognisable faces &#8211; wildlife presenter, star of Channel 5&#8217;s Escape To The Farm and national treasure, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Kate Humble (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/kate-humble-home-cooked/" target="_blank">Kate Humble</a>. You can see her at Assembly Hall Theatre at 2:30pm where you&#8217;ll be able to tuck into her brand new recipe book, Home Cooked: Recipes from the Farm. A stunning collection of simple, seasonal dishes &#8211; inspired from life on the farm in her TV series &#8211; covering everything from day-to-day cooking to special, celebratory occasions. 



For anyone interested in modern politics, this event is a must.&nbsp; The Guardian’s celebrated duo, <a href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/polly-toynbee-and-david-walker-the-lost-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="columnist Polly Toynbee and contributing editor David Walker (opens in a new tab)">columnist Polly Toynbee and contributing editor David Walker</a>, 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 <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Beached (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/strangeface-beached/" target="_blank">Beached</a>, 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 <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Darren Shan (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/darren-shan/" target="_blank">Darren Shan</a> 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, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Sleepover Takeover (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/simon-james-green-sleepover-takeover/" target="_blank">Sleepover Takeover</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Gay Club! (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/simon-james-green-gay-club/" target="_blank">Gay Club!</a> and author/illustrator <a href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/cate-douglas-poppys-tail/">Cate Douglas </a>will be reading her adorable, picture book, Poppy&#8217;s Tail &#8211; FREE Poppy&#8217;s Tail bookmarks, stickers and activity sheets for all! 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71813" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-1-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT&#8217;S ON: SUN 1 MAY</h2>



The talented debut author <a href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/melissa-fu-peach-blossom-spring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Melissa Fu (opens in a new tab)">Melissa Fu</a> will be talking about her first novel, the achingly beautiful&nbsp;Peach Blossom Spring on the Upper Atrium of the Amelia Scott building at 10:30am. 



The Forum will see shows from journalist and biographer <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Graeme Thomson (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/graeme-thomson-themes-for-great-cities-a-new-history-of-simple-minds/" target="_blank">Graeme Thomson</a>, don&#8217;t miss this truly special spoken word event with <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Patrick Jones (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/patrick-jones-poetry/" target="_blank">Patrick Jones</a> and finally psychedelic pioneer <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Bobby Gillespie (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/bobby-gillespie-tenement-kid/" target="_blank">Bobby Gillespie</a> will be discussing his exhilarating memoir Tenement Kid. 



Much loved actor and best-selling crime writer <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Robert Daws (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/robert-daws-the-rock-crime-series/" target="_blank">Robert Daws</a> will be Trinity Theatre from 5pm performing his specially created solo show where you&#8217;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 <a href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/jj-bola-the-selfless-act-of-breathing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="JJ Bola (opens in a new tab)">JJ Bola</a>, whose profoundly moving sophomore novel, The Selfless Act of Breathing works to clear the shame and secrecy of men&#8217;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&nbsp;Manjeet Mann&nbsp;and picture book illustrator Amanda Quartey will be talking about their new book, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Small's Big Dream (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/manjeet-mann-smalls-big-world/" target="_blank">Small&#8217;s Big Dream</a>, 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,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Crossing (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/manjeet-mann-the-crossing/" target="_blank">The Crossing</a> at Trinity Theatre at 2pm.



You won&#8217;t want to miss exciting new writer <a href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/skye-mckenna-hedgewitch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Skye McKenna (opens in a new tab)">Skye McKenna</a> who will be at The Amelia Scott to discuss her marvellously magical authorial debut,&nbsp;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!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71814" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-2-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT&#8217;S ON: MON 2 MAY</h2>



The last day of the festival will see more exciting shows! Meet the authors of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="12 Hours to Say I Love You (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/olivia-poulet-and-laurence-dobiesz-12-hours-to-say-i-love-you/" target="_blank">12 Hours to Say I Love You</a>, 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&#8217;t miss Sunday Times bestseller <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Pat Nevin (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/pat-nevin-the-accidental-footballer/" target="_blank">Pat Nevin</a> 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 <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Patrick Gale (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/patrick-gale-mothers-boy/" target="_blank">Patrick Gale</a>, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Sarfraz Manzoor (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/sarfraz-manzoor-blinded-by-the-light-they/" target="_blank">Sarfraz Manzoor</a> and social media&#8217;s favourite foodie <a href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/adam-shaw-interviewed-by-mark-woods-how-to-grow-your-family/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Adam Shaw (opens in a new tab)">Adam Shaw</a> and his latest book How To Grow Your Family. 



KIDS: Spend time with bestselling children&#8217;s author, <a href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/kiran-millwood-hargrave-tom-de-freston-julia-and-the-shark/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Kiran Millwood Hargrave (opens in a new tab)">Kiran Millwood Hargrave</a> who will be talking about her most recent middle-grade release and winner of Waterstones Children’s Gift of the Year 2021,&nbsp;Julia and the Shark, about the enduring power of hope, even in the darkest of times. 



Don&#8217;t miss Sita Brahmachari and Natalie Sirett at the Assembly Hall Theatre at 2:30pm with their Best Young Adult Novel of 2021, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="When Shadows Fall (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/sita-brahmachari-and-natalie-sirett-when-shadows-fall/" target="_blank">When Shadows Fall</a>. Hear about their writer&#8217;s and artist&#8217;s collaborative process but also have the chance to make poems and drawings of your own! 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-71815" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-4-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-4-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-4-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-4-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/04/tunbridge-wells-literary-festival-4-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a href="https://theamelia.co.uk/tw-lit-fest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Book your tickets now! (opens in a new tab)">Book your tickets now!</a>

Book lovers! Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival

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