YOU are invited to a festival billed as the UK’s friendliest literary event.Gladfest 2023 will take place at Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden on September 8th and 9th and will feature a host of talks and interactive classes with a range of authors.Gladfest is now in its 10th year, and its organisers have pulled out the stops to celebrate this milestone.
The line-up includes novelist Sarah Perry (The Essex Serpent, Essex Girls), poet Catherine Okoronkwo (Blood and Water) and historian Peter Moore (Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness).
They will give talks on stargazing while writing, the links between poetry and faith, and US and British history.
In addition, this event marks the first big public talk by Rev'd Dr Andrea Russell, Warden of the Library. She said: "I'm looking forward to my first Gladfest since I took on the role of Warden. It will be lovely to meet and mingle with our authors and attendees."
Debut author Julie Brominicks (who explores Wales in The Edge of Cymru), novelist Natasha Pulley (The Half Live of Valery K) and travel writer Dan Richards (Outpost) will offer intimate masterclasses to help writers hone their skills.
Louisa Yates, director of collections and research at the Library, said: “We can’t believe our friendly festival is turning 10! Back in 2013, we had to borrow a stage from a local school and we were not sure how it would go, but here we are!“We are celebrating in a few ways. As well as bringing in amazing speakers, setting up book signings and more, we have also set up a launch and lunch offer for people attending Peter Moore’s talk – which is the first event of the festival – and we’re planning a fizz and nibbles reception to mark the occasion.“We very much look forward to welcoming everyone, from the authors to our attendees. Gladfest is always a friendly event, with readers and writers mingling across the festival weekend.”The festival takes place in the grounds of Gladstone’s Library, a grade I listed Victorian building. It is a unique example of a residential Library, with 26 bedrooms and an on-site restaurant, Food for Thought. Bedroom spaces for the festival weekend are available, but space is limited. Email [email protected] to register your interest.
Tickets for the talks range from £10 up. Book on www.gladfest.co.uk.