Cambridge Literary Festival

Can arts reach people in a way that politics so far has not?

This year’s Cambridge Literary Spring Festival from April 16th-19th poses this question and many more as they welcome Caroline Lucas MP as Guest Director on their Climate Crisis programme with an emphasis on solutions. Dieter Helm will introduce his new book, Green and Prosperous Land, a practical plan to rescue and enhance the British countryside, while Mike Berners-Lee will set out his handbook of inspiring ideas both to tackle the climate emergency and, in the process, live more fulfilling lives. Caroline Lucas MP

A major session led by Ann Pettifor, one of the seminal thinkers who has influenced US Democrat candidate Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, will put forward the Green New Deal, a bold programme of decarbonisation, with the potential to transform an economic model that is failing the majority of people. Nature is celebrated too, with Mary Colwell, author of the acclaimed Curlew Moon, awardwinning author and naturalist Mark Cocker and former frontman of The Undertones, Feargal Sharkey, speaking about his work to save our riverbeds. Marian Keyes

Marian Keyes makes an eagerly awaited debut as part of her sell-out tour of new book Grown- Ups. Eimear McBride with Strange Hotel and Anne Enright with her latest novel Actress join Marian to make up a trio of Irish novelists. Other storytellers Michael Frayn, Tessa Hadley and James Scudamore will be here as well as festival patron Ali Smith who brings to us once again her three debut novelists. Number one bestselling author of How Not To Be a Boy Robert Webb is launching his debut novel Come Again.

From Eastenders to the House of Lords, Michael Cashman’s memoir describes his journey from a cruel Dickensian childhood to the dignity of being a peer. Awardwinning author of 2017 sensation Ma’am Darling: 99 glimpses of Princess Margaret Craig Brown brings his next, a unique, multifaceted examination of The Beatles in 1-2-3-4. Guardian journalist Hadley Freeman recounts the experience of discovering her Grandmother’s secrets, House of Glass, takes Hadley from Picasso’s archives in Paris to a secret room in a farmhouse in Auvergne to Long Island and Auschwitz. Michael Cashman

In a country that seems more divided than ever, the festival looks at these rifts and what’s caused them. Talks from A C Grayling, David Lammy MP, refugee and now barrister Hashi Mohamed, political journalist Polly Toynbee and opening the Disunited Kingdom theme a discussion between Fintan O’Toole, David Reynolds, Catherine Barnard & Robert Saunders. Jacqueline Wilson

There are also great events for children - everyone’s favourite Jacqueline Wilson will be here, Robin Stevens is back, Dr Max and Isabel Thomas join them in a packed Children’s Programme.

East Anglian Game & Country Fair

The East Anglian Game & Country Fair takes place on April 25th-26th at the prestigious Euston Estate, home of The Duke & Duchess of Grafton.

and juniors with a massive cash prize up for grabs. Try Fly fishing and Coarse fishing on the Black Bourn River, ferret racing and archery to paintballing and crossbows. Try the air rifle range, hold a bird of prey, enter your dog into the pet dog show, join in with your dog at the K9 Aqua Sports pool or take a ride in a Land Rover on the off road 4x4 course. Children of all ages can take part in countryside activities and enjoy the traditional funfair.

For the first time, the Fair welcome the fantastic Bolddog Lings Freestyle Team with their gravity defiant Freestyle Motocross Show. Riders jump gaps of over 75 feet and reach heights of over 35ft in the air as they perform a series of death-defying tricks. The Essex Dog Display Team will also thrill crowds with their action-packed display involving dogs leaping through hoops of fire. Other highlights include the Horseboarding UK teams, The British Scurry & Trials Driving Championships, World and European Casting Champion Hywel Morgan with a fascinating and humorous fly-fishing demo and Ye Olde Redtail Falconry Display who will perform a special tribute to the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Other events include the ever-popular Sheep Show, Hound Parade, Terrier Racing, Gun Dog displays, Traditional Craft demonstrations and Farrier and Blacksmith demonstrations. Don’t miss the 2020 Forestry Arena, home to the East of England Cutters and Climbers Competitions. The forestry arena will be a buzz of activity with chainsaw carvings, felling demonstrations, tree climbing and pole climbing competitions.

Join in and 'have a go' at a range of country activities from clay shooting with John Bidwell’s High Lodge instructors or enter the 40-bird re-entry shooting competition for men, women Andy Newman will once again be hosting the Game Fair Country Kitchen with a great line-up of cookery workshops and demonstrations. The busy Food & Drink Hall is home to a wide variety of exhibitors bringing unusual and mouth-watering food and drink for visitors to sample, enjoy and purchase.

There are over 350 shopping stands with a wide variety of products from fashion and footwear to gun makers, eco products, fishing tackle and home designer wares. Plus, craft halls and gift marquees. The Dog & Duck onsite pub serves a great selection of local beers and drinks and will host live music and a BBQ on Saturday.

www.ukgamefair.co.uk

Competition

WIN TICKETS ARTSeast has teamed up with The East Anglian Game & Country Fair to offer readers the chance to win one of five family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) to the event on the weekend of April 25th-26th.