The programme has now been finalised for the first Retford Book Festival, which will take place in town centre venues from 9th to 15th June 2025. A copy of the programme is included with this edition of Retford Life.
“There will be something for everyone. The committee of volunteers has worked hard to confirm 15 author talks and events and we hope that this will become an annual event,” said Julia Kitchen, Retford Book Festival Chair.
Highlights from the programme include:
- Stephen Booth: best-selling crime novelist
- Rosie Sandler: cosy crime and gardening
- Angela Anwyl: Retford’s musical history
- Adrian Gray: local history, the story of two people who left Retford “to do great things”
- Crimewriting Panel: local writer Graeme Cumming hosts a panel discussion with crime novelists Jacqui Rose and William Hussey
- Tom Kitching with Marit Falt: a love letter to the waterways, life on a traditional narrowboat with music specially composed for this event
- Lucie Lovatt: playwright talking about her work and writing life. Lucie’s play ‘Kill Thy Neighbour’ was recently performed at Retford Little Theatre
- Annie Charme: romance for grown ups, specially designed cocktail or mocktail and nibbles included in the ticket price
- Bethany Walker: silly stories and awesome activities for children aged 6+
- Jess Wilson: News UK journalist in conversation about the power of words to change the world
- Ben Derbyshire: eminent architect talking about housing and heritage
- An Evening Without George And Ringo: an evening of poetry with John Hegley and Paul Cookson. Pie and peas included in the ticket price
- Louie Stowell: author of the best-selling Loki series for children aged 8+
- A Celebration Of Jake Thackray: Singer and author Paul Thompson presents his one man show about Jake Thackray including many of Jake’s songs
- Writing Workshop: Author Jae Malone will run a workshop for adults called ‘Motivation – Action – Consequences’
For more details about each event, see the programme or www.retfordbookfestival.co.uk. Tickets are available from Wonderland Book Shop in Carolgate, Retford or from Eventbrite.
Alongside this, eight events will run in local schools as part of the festival with well-known children’s writers JP Rose and William Hussey as well as local poet Paul Cookson and illustrator Liz Million.