The Bath Festival 2024 Brochure

WELCOME TO THE BATH FESTIVAL 2024!

We are delighted to bring you a glorious celebration of words and music to enlighten, inspire and entertain you over ten days in May.

Come to our opening night Party in the City on Friday 17 May, an evening of FREE live music, and then stay for a series of talks, concerts, guided walks and workshops, all curated especially for Bath’s biggest annual arts festival. We’ve put the programme into the hands of experts who are passionate about their field of expertise. Literature programmers Victoria Walters and guest curator Joe Haddow –podcast host, author and BBC Radio 2 Book Club producer – will make you feel part of our very own Bath Festival book club.

Experienced classical music programmer James Waters has hand picked a series of musical treats, working alongside multi-award winning Scottish guitarist, music artist-in-residence Sean Shibe.

In common with many arts charities, Bath Festivals is facing financial challenges.

This year’s foldout programme is a streamlined version of our usual brochure, cutting our carbon footprint and our overheads. Our ambition to delight our audiences and bring the best artists and authors to Bath, remains undimmed. We are ever indebted to our wonderful supporters and volunteers.

For more information on all our events and for booking links, please visit our website.

See you in May!

The Bath Festivals team

HOW TO BOOK

01225 463362

thebathfestival.org.uk

Booking opens

22 March

Bath Box Office Counter, 1A Forum

Buildings, St James Parade, BA1 1UG

Bath Box Office telephone and counter is open Monday to Friday 10am–5pm.

FEES: All tickets are subject to a 10% service charge and all bookings incur a transaction charge of £1.

ACCESSIBILITY

We want Disabled people and those with access requirements to feel welcome and enjoy their time at the festival. For more info about the accessibility of all of our venues and how we can support you please visit thebathfestival.org.uk/your-visit/ accessibility or email access@bathfestivals.org.uk

CONCESSIONS

Concession prices listed in the brochure for:

• Full-time students

• Under 18’s

• Deaf and Disabled people

• Pension Credit Receivers

• Universal Credit Receivers

• Income Support Receivers

• Job Seekers Allowance Receivers

BOOKING ENQUIRIES

If you have any enquiries regarding booking please contact Bath Box Office.

Email: info@bathboxoffice.org.uk

Call: 01225 463362

LITERATURE HIGHLIGHTS

We are so excited to welcome an amazing array of authors and speakers to the festival this year! It promises to be a joyous celebration of literature and the importance of stories written and told by humans.

2024 is proving to be a golden year for fiction, with new novels from some familiar names as well as sparkling debut voices and a selection of exclusive pre-publication proof parties which give a chance to be the first to hear about this year’s most hotly anticipated books. Historical fiction authors join some of the masters of modern crime writing while romance writers will warm our hearts. We celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cloud Atlas with author David Mitchell and take a focused look at writing James Bond. We set out with the mission to fill the festival with events that will uplift, inspire and entertain. Whether it’s celebrating 50 years since ABBA won Eurovision, taking tea with Jane Austen, enjoying a raucous evening with legendary comedian Helen Lederer, learning some international insults with Adam Sharp, a beginner’s tarot workshop with Litwitchure, hearing anecdotes from West End legend Michael Ball or an exclusive Murdle mystery party – there’s a huge amount of FUN to be had throughout the festival!

Trailblazing poet Salena Godden gives an electrifying performance from her latest collection – and folk singer Cara Dillon will perform songs, poetry and tell stories from her new memoir. There will also be the opportunity to join in yourself with our Poetry Open Mic. We’re thrilled to have two wonderful writers-in residence bookending the festival: Kit de Waal and Cathy Rentzenbrink, who will each be hosting a

series of conversations, discussing everything from the meaning of home, belonging and community, to grief and the power of books. Kit interviews journalist Clive Myrie about his 30 years reporting on major global events, while Cathy gives us a preview of her new novel, in conversation with Max Porter – and hosts an invigorating workshop and swim at Cleveland Pools.

We’ll be looking at ways to feel better – both emotionally and physically – with Dr Federica Amati, head nutritionist at ZOE, Dr Nighat Arif champion of women’s health and Jenni Falconer, sharing her running advice and enthusiasm. Ruby Wax will reveal her top tips for navigating life’s toughest moments, while Shaparak Khorsandi takes a funny and heartbreaking look at her life through the lens of ADHD.

The curious mind will be intrigued, informed and inspired with events focusing on history, science and art – Bettany Hughes and Lloyd LlewellynJones share the wonders of the ancient world while Maggie Aderin-Pocock shares the magic of the night sky and Will Gompertz takes us into the minds of the artists.

We’re tackling some of the big issues and talking points of our time – bringing together key players in the Great Post Office scandal – as well as trailblazing environmental activists, Tori Tsui and Mikaela Loach who will reframe the eco-anxiety so many of us feel and focus on real climate action that could drastically change the world.

Whichever events you come to, our hope is to bring you joy, connection and inspiration. Unfold this brochure to reveal the full line-up – we hope to see you there!

MUSIC EVENTS

FABIAN MÜLLER PLAYS BEETHOVEN AND BRAHMS

Brahms: Piano Sonata No 3 in F minor Op 5

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor Op 57 Appassionata

Fabian Müller, piano

Beethoven’s Appassionata sonata is one of Beethoven’s greatest and has remarkable emotional power and drive. Fabian Müller is one of the most exciting young talents around and this concert, which also includes Brahms’s early masterpiece, will surely be a delight for all.

ORLANDO: THE ADVENTURER – SONG AND GUITAR

Ema Nikolovska, mezzo soprano

Sean Shibe, guitar

All stereotypes of the traditional song recital are avoided while exploring Virginia Woolf’s Orlando – a time travelling adventurer transcending place, period and gender. Expectations will be subverted with new works for electronics; songwriters Laurie Anderson and Bob Dylan placed alongside Dowland and Schubert.

Date: Thursday 23 May

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: St Swithin’s

Price: £35, £25, £15/£10 (concs)*

Event code: F10

MAXWELL STRING QUARTET

Haydn: String Quartet Op 20 No 1 in E flat major Maxwell Quartet: Worksongs – Folk Music of Scotland

Beethoven: String Quartet in C sharp minor Op 131

The international prizewinning Maxwell String Quartet bring us two masterpieces. The Haydn is one of the Op 20 ‘Sun’ set which established the string quartet as a transcendent musical form. The Beethoven is one of the most extraordinary musical journeys ever composed with profound depth of emotion and meaning. The programme is completed with the Maxwells’ utterly charming arrangements of Scottish folksongs.

Date: Friday 24 May

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: St Swithin’s

Price: £35, £25, £15/£10 (concs)*

Event code: G9

CARDUCCI QUARTET WITH SEAN SHIBE

Carducci Quartet

Sean Shibe, guitar

Boccherini Fandango Quintet

Castelnuovo-Tedesco – Guitar Quintet

Each of the guitar quintets presented demonstrates a fiery flair. Boccherini’s Fandango quintet is one of the most famous examples of this instrumentation, with film composer Tedesco’s plethora of musical references packaged into his inimitably cinematic style.

Date: Saturday 25 May

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: St Mary’s Bathwick

Price: £35, £25, £15, £10/£10 (concs)*

Event code: H11

Date: Sunday 26 May

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: St Mary’s Bathwick

Price: £35, £25, £15, £10/£10 (concs)*

Event code: J11

AIDAN O’ROURKE & BRIGHDE CHAIMBEUL

Brighde Chaimbeul, small pipes

Aidan O’ Rourke, fiddle

Winner of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, Brighde Chaimbeul recently released her second album (Carry Them With Us). She performs with long term collaborator Aidan O’ Rourke (Lau) alongside a film by John Smith and Johnny Ashworth that speaks of the landscape and communities of Skye and their mark on the land.

Date: Monday 20 May

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: St Swithin’s

Price: £35, £25, £15/£10 (concs)*

Event code: C9

NOSFERATU – SCREENING

AND IMPROVISATION

Sebastian Heindl, organ

Sir Christopher Frayling, introductory talk

Sebastian Heindl is the winner of the prestigious Longwood Gardens Organ Competition and the head of church music at the Kaiser-WilhelmMemorial-Church Berlin. In this performance he will be improvising the score to Nosferatu – a film once banned and now regarded as an influential masterpiece of the horror genre.

The film will be introduced by Sir Christopher Frayling, author of Vampire Cinema.

Date: Wednesday 22 May

Time: 8.30pm

Venue: Christ Church

Price: £35, £25/£10 (concs)*

Event code: E9

*ticket price excludes booking fee

STILE ANTICO – THE GOLDEN RENAISSANCE

Music by Byrd, Taverner, Guerrero, Praetorius, Tallis, Tomkins, Gibbons. Sheppard & Victoria One of the world’s leading a cappella ensembles, Stile Antico presents a wonderfully contrasted programme, selecting one piece from each of its 16 award winning albums to create a thrilling journey through some of the greatest music of the Renaissance. Exuberant works by composers such as Byrd, Gibbons, Tomkins and Praetorius rub shoulders with tranquil motets by Taverner, Clemens non Papa and Tallis. Allegri’s timeless Miserere completes this mouthwatering programme.

Date: Tuesday 21 May

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Bath Abbey

Price: £45, £35, £20, £10/£10 (concs)*

Event code: D9

THE FORUM’S 90TH BIRTHDAY

Celebrate The Forum’s 90th birthday with a concert of blockbuster movie classics with Bath Philharmonia and the musicians of The Royal Marines School of Music.

Date: Saturday 18 May

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: The Forum

Price: £35/£30/£25

FREE COMMUNITY MUSIC FESTIVAL

A free community event presenting five awesome bands across two stages, this mini festival is open to all ages (with under 16’s to be accompanied by an adult.)

Date: Sunday 26 May

Time: 5.45pm–10.15pm

Venue: Komedia

Price: FREE (ticketed)

WALKING TOURS

We are delighted to be working with Fred Mawer Tours to bring you a programme of five fascinating walks. Each walk is approximately 2 hours, is priced at £20 and takes place multiple times throughout the festival week. For dates, times, booking and much more information about the walks visit our website.

LESS DISCOVERED BATH: FIVE GEORGIAN CRESCENTS

Not suitable for wheelchair users.

Distance: around 1.7 miles

Event code: WT1

This walk around Bath’s immensely beautiful northern slopes takes in five Georgian crescents. Enjoy eye-catching architectural details and memorable views across the bowl of the city, whilst hearing about significant former residents, among them collectors, artists and writers. Note that the walk involves a steep climb.

READING BATH BETWEEN THE LINES

Gentle-paced walking on pavements, with frequent stops. Suitable for wheelchair users.

Distance: around 1.5 miles Event code: WT2

For centuries Bath has inspired writers and this entertaining walk explores the city with authors ancient and modern, from Austen and Dickens to poet John Betjeman and novelist Angela Carter. From the grandeur of Great Pulteney Street to quiet corners, discover Bath’s enduring appeal to writers.

BATH BLITZ: A STORY OF DESTRUCTION AND REBUILDING

Gentle-paced walking, on pavements, with frequent stops. Suitable for wheelchair users.

Distance: around two miles

Event code: WT3

On two nights in April 1942, Bath suffered from devastating air raids. Join this walk to discover why the city was targeted by the Luftwaffe. See reconstructed and restored buildings, bomb craters and shrapnel damage, and learn about now-vanished churches, air raid shelters, evacuees and the aftermath.

BATH’S REMARKABLE WOMEN

Gentle-paced walking on pavements with frequent stops. Suitable for wheelchair users.

Distance: around 1.75 miles

Event code: WT4

Discover some of the remarkable women who have featured in Bath’s history. From novelist Jane Austen and astronomer Caroline Herschel, who are firmly part of the story of the city, to the many others who have been overlooked. Hear about artists, innovators, philanthropists, suffragettes and doctors who all made their mark.

BATH ON SCREEN – THE OTHER STAR OF THE SHOW

Gentle-paced walking, on pavements, with frequent stops. Suitable for wheelchair users.

Distance: around 1.5 miles

Event code: WT5

Bath is frequently used as a backdrop for films and TV shows. This entertaining tour explains on how filming works, takes in many locations as well as behind-the-scenes insights. Hear about hit series Bridgerton, recently released blockbuster Wonka, Channel 4’s First Dates, Jane Austen adaptations and lots more!

All tours will be led by Blue Badge qualified tour guides.

WORKSHOPS

MONDAY 20 MAY

FREEDOM TO WRITE – LIFE WRITING

Time: 10.30am–12.30pm Price: £20 Venue: Bath Central Library Code: C1

How do we write about our own lives, and the people and places that shape us? Join memoirists Andy West (The Life Inside) and Yvonne Jewkes (An Architecture of Hope) to learn how to write the story you are uniquely placed to tell.

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY

WRITING NATURE NOW

Time: 10.30am–12.30pm Price: £20 Venue: Bath Central Library Code: E1

Poet and lecturer Dr Carrie Etter addresses how we combine our love of nature with our concerns about the climate crisis in our own poetry in this wise and inspiring workshop. You’ll come away with a new familiarity with the field of ecopoetry as well as the draft of a new poem.

THURSDAY 23 MAY

AWAKEN YOUR SENSES – WRITING WORKSHOP & SWIM

Time: 10.30am–12.30pm Price: £30 Venue: Cleveland Pools Code: F1

It is well documented that swimming in a natural environment can stimulate the senses, soothe the soul and spark creativity. This hour-long workshop with acclaimed writer Cathy Rentzenbrink, will inspire you to put pen to paper, followed by an hour to swim in Britain’s oldest lido, Cleveland Pools, included in the ticket price.

FRIDAY 24 MAY

WRITING A MEMOIR – WHERE DO I START?

Time: 10.30am–12.30pm Price: £35 Venue: American Museum Code: G1

This stimulating memoir writing workshop, held at the beautiful American Museum & Gardens, with acclaimed writer Cathy Rentzenbrink will give impetus and encouragement.

Your ticket includes access to the gardens and 10% off food and drink in The Deli.

SATURDAY 25 MAY

MAKE YOUR SETTING COME ALIVE

Time: 11am–1pm Price: £35 Venue: The Gainsborough Hotel Code: H5

Join award-winning writer Kim Sherwood for this fun, friendly and interactive workshop on how to make setting come alive in your fiction, from developing description to making the most of place in your plotting.

SATURDAY 25 MAY

INTRODUCTION TO TAROT

Time: 2.30pm–4pm Price: £25 Venue: The Gainsborough Hotel Code: H8

If you are curious about the tarot, this is your chance to learn more! Fiona Lensvelt of Litwitchure returns with this interactive workshop in which you will not only learn the basics of tarot reading and divination, but how to use the cards to have conversations with friends and strangers.

All our workshops are suitable for writers of all levels. Your workshop ticket includes tea/coffee & biscuits.

PARTY IN THE CITY

Party in the City is Bath’s biggest FREE night out!

On Friday 17 May you can join thousands of partygoers across the city to see over 100 local bands, choirs and solo performers taking over more venues than ever including pubs, churches, museums and our party hub, Parade Gardens.

Bring the whole family along for an evening of live music, food and drink.

You can help us keep Party in the City free by looking out for donation pots and contactless donation stations.

We want to extend a huge thank you to all the venues and acts taking part. We are so excited to party with you.

You’ll be able to find the full programme of acts and venues on our website soon and pick up a flyer in venues across the city.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Bath Festivals is a charity that brings some of the finest musicians, speakers and writers to entertain audiences, in the beautiful venues and spaces of our world heritage city. Ticket sales only cover 45% of the costs it takes to produce The Bath Festival, so that’s why your support is important.

BECOME A FRIEND OF THE FESTIVAL

You can help by joining our new Friends scheme. For £36 per year you’ll be the first to hear about our events and enjoy privileges including priority booking.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Partners:

The Coles Medlock Foundation

The Roper Family Charitable Trust

Sponsors:

Supported by:

Andrew Fletcher

Wera & William Hobhouse

Elaine Marson

Trevor Osborne Charitable Trust

James & Hiroko Sherwin

Colin Skellett

Lady Evelyn Strasburger

Ian Tarr

LITERATURE EVENTS

SATURDAY 18 MAY

DANIEL FINKELSTEIN: HITLER, STALIN, MUM & DAD

Time: 11.30am–12.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: A1

Journalist and political commentator Daniel Finkelstein joins Simon Mayo to discuss his moving account of his parents’ remarkable stories.

FESTIVAL BOOK CLUB: JENNIE GODFREY & SUSAN FLETCHER

Time: 11.30am–12.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)*

Venue: Guildhall Code: A2

Come and join the festival Book Club! Novelists Jennie Godfrey and Susan Fletcher chat to Joe Haddow about their unforgettable new novels.

KATHY LETTE: THE REVENGE CLUB

Time: 2.30pm–3.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)*

Venue: Guildhall Code: A3

Internationally bestselling author, Kathy Lette joins broadcaster Penny Smith to unleash her wickedly funny new novel The Revenge Club.

GOOD GRIEF: CARIAD LLOYD TALKS TO KIT DE WAAL

Time: 2.30pm–3.30pm

Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: A4

Comedian and Griefcast podcaster Cariad Lloyd talks to Kit de Waal about why grief needs a new set of rules.

CLIVE MYRIE: EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING

Time: 5pm–6pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: A5

Clive Myrie is known for his fearless, objective reporting on some of the biggest stories of our time. He talks to Kit de Waal about his remarkable career and how his family history has influenced his view of the world.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC: ABBA 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Time: 5pm–6pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: A6

Giles Smith, music writer, and broadcaster Gaby Roslin celebrate 50 years since the release of Waterloo and uncover why ABBA are bigger than ever.

SARA PASCOE & CARIAD LLOYD

Time: 7.30pm–8.30pm

Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: A7

Comedians and long-term friends, Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd celebrate the paperback publication of Sara’s hilarious, touching debut novel, Weirdo.

AN EVENING WITH SALENA GODDEN

Time: 7.30pm–8.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: A8

An electrifying performance of poems from trailblazing poet and novelist Salena Godden, celebrating the launch of her audacious new collection.

MURDLE LIVE: MURDER IN THE BOOKSHOP!

Time: 7pm–8.30pm

Price: £20*

Venue: Waterstones Code: A9

An exclusive Bath Festival event with G.T. Karber, creator of Murdle, the devilishly devious murder mystery puzzle sensation! Follow the clues, interrogate the suspects, solve the grid and be in with a chance of a prize.

SUNDAY 19 MAY

THE SCIENCE OF EATING FOR A LIFETIME OF HEALTH

Time: 11am–12pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: B1

Head nutritionist at ZOE, Dr Federica Amati shares her mission to break through confusing medical jargon and deliver actionable advice to improve our health, using the most powerful tool we have: our daily food choices.

KIT DE WAAL & TRACY KING

Time: 11am–12pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: B2

Kit de Waal and Tracy King discuss their effervescent, heartbreaking and hopeful memoirs of chaotic upbringings, family love, creativity, and the transformative power of books and learning to think for yourself.

HARRIET WISTRICH: SISTER IN LAW

Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm

Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: B3

For more than 25 years, solicitor and founder of the Centre for Women’s Justice, Harriet Wistrich has fought for people let down by our justice system. She shares stories from a career at the forefront of ground-breaking legal victories.

FREYA NORTH & MATT CAIN

Time: 1.30–2.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: B4

Journalist-turned-author, Matt Cain, joins bestselling novelist Freya North, for a chat about love in literature, and a love of literature. Hosted by Alexandra Heminsley, this feel-good event will explore the joy of writing romance.

HOWARD JACOBSON: WHAT WILL SURVIVE OF US

Time: 4pm–5pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: B5

Booker prize-winning novelist Howard Jacobson introduces his new novel, an unforgettable love story about romance in later life, full of wit and humour.

ANNA MURPHY: DESTINATION FABULOUS

Time: 4pm–5pm

Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: B6

Fashion director of The Times, Anna Murphy shares her knowledge from years of writing about fashion and beauty in a practical and inspiring conversation with stylist Natasha Musson.

SARAH CROSSAN: HEY ZOEY

Time: 6pm–7pm

Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Waterstones Code: B7

Award-winning author Sarah Crossan launches her original debut adult novel, a propulsive story of love, family and our tech-buffered age of alienation. She talks to Alexandra Heminsley.

SHAPARAK

KHORSANDI: SCATTER BRAIN

Time: 6.30pm–7.30pm

Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: B8

Much-loved comedian Shaparak Khorsandi brings us a delicious mix of stand-up and excerpts from her new book, as she looks back on her life through the lens of ADHD and finally makes sense of the chaos.

ANNE CORLETT & ANNA MAZZOLA

Time: 6.30pm–7.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: B9

Two dark and dazzling tales from two exceptional voices in gothic historical fiction! Anne Corlett (The Theatre of Glass and Shadows) and Anna Mazzola (The Book of Secrets) talk to Zoë Somerville

MONDAY 20 MAY

LUNCHTIME TALK: EGGS, EVOLUTION AND LIFE ON EARTH

Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: C2

Zoologist Jules Howard takes us on a mind-bending journey into the story of the egg: the humble piece of evolutionary engineering to which each animal on the planet owes its existence.

THE IMPOSTER CURE

Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: C3

Millions of us suffer from imposter syndrome, letting our insecurities and doubts hold us back from enjoying our successes. Clinical psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibberd explains how to stop feeling like a fraud, banish self-doubt and be our best selves in this practical and reassuring talk.

WOMEN’S HEALTH : EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Time: 5pm–6pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: C4

Dr Nighat Arif, resident GP on BBC Breakfast and ITV’s This Morning, shares her mission to bring women’s health to the forefront with Pragya Agarwal (Hysterical). Bring your partners, daughters, mothers, sisters and friends and join this informative and empowering conversation about the key stages in every woman’s life.

JOHN CONNOLLY: THE INSTRUMENTS OF DARKNESS

Time: 5pm–6pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: C5

Bestselling author John Connolly joins Joe Haddow for a chat about his new Charlie Parker novel. They’ll talk about how to keep a returning character fresh in each book, and why Maine makes a great setting for a crime novel.

POETRY IN THE CITY! POETRY READING AND OPEN MIC

Time: 7pm–9pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Roots and Records Code: C6

A festival favourite! Bath poet and University of Bristol lecturer Carrie Etter will read from her new, fifth collection, Grief’s Alphabet, alongside local poets, with an open mic. Come read your poem (up to 40 lines) to a welcoming audience.

ZEINAB BADAWI: AN AFRICAN HISTORY OF AFRICA

Time: 7.30pm–8.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: C7

Award-winning broadcaster Zeinab Badawi introduces her ground-breaking, epic history of Africa, told through the voices of the Africans themselves.

VINTAGE BOOKS PROOF PARTY

Time: 7.30pm-8.30pm Price: £18/£15 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: C8

Your summer reads sorted! A unique opportunity to get an early copy of the destination read for 2024, from Costa-prize-winning author Francesca Segal – Welcome to Glorious Tuga is a captivating novel about love and belonging, set in a tropical paradise. Chaired by Joanna Nadin. Your ticket includes an exclusive proof copy PLUS an exciting goodie bag containing some exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming books.

TUESDAY 21 MAY

KATE MOLLESON: SOUND WITHIN SOUND

Time: 11am–12pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: D1

Author, journalist, critic and BBC Radio 3 broadcaster Kate Molleson tells the exhilarating story of the composers who dared to challenge the conventional world of classical music in the 20th century. She talks to music writer Hugh Morris.

LUNCHTIME TALK: REBOOT! RECLAIMING YOUR LIFE IN A TECH-OBSESSED WORLD

Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: D2

Cyberpsychologist and author Dr Elaine Kasket invites you to test your knowledge and interrogate your assumptions about technology in this innovative, interactive game show – you’ll find yourself considering your relationship with tech from a whole new perspective.

JENNI FALCONER: THE JOY OF RUNNING

Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: D3

Whether you are a seasoned marathon runner or just starting out on the Couch to 5k journey, this is the event for you! Radio presenter and host of RunPod, Jenni Falconer is here to share running advice and enthusiasm. She chats to Esther Newman, editor of Women’s Running Magazine.

CLAIRE DOUGLAS & TIM WEAVER

Time: 5pm–6pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: D4

Bestselling psychological thriller writers Claire Douglas and Tim Weaver know a thing or two about building tension and creating unexpected twists and turns. They talk about their latest suspenseful books, The Wrong Sister and The Last Goodbye.

VIV GROSKOP: ONE UKRAINIAN SUMMER

Time: 5pm–6pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: D5

Comedian, broadcaster and writer Viv Groskop launches her coming-of-age memoir, One Ukrainian Summer, a poignant, comical account of first love in the time after the Cold War and before Putin.

HARRIET EVANS: D IS FOR DEATH

Time: 7.00pm–8.00pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Waterstones Code: D6

A special pre-publication event with bestselling author Harriet Evans as she launches her first novel in her new crime series, D is For Death, featuring her ‘Miss Marple meets Fleabag’ heroine, Dora Wildwood. She chats to Hannah Richell (The Search Party).

RUBY WAX: NAVIGATING TOUGH TIMES

Time: 7.30pm–8.30pm

Price: £11/£8 (concs)*

Venue: Guildhall Code: D7

Much-loved comedian Ruby Wax shares her unflinchingly honest story of her struggles with mental health. She shares her wisdom about navigating life’s toughest moments and trying to stay sane in an increasingly chaotic world.

DAMIEN LEWIS: UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE

Time: 7.30pm–8.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: D8

Bestselling author and former war correspondent, Damien Lewis, explores the untold stories of six of the most daring SAS escapes in the Second World War – as told in his new book, which inspired Guy Ritchie’s film The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY

LUNCHTIME TALK:

THE LIFE OF GWEN JOHN

Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: E2

Art historian and curator Dr Alicia Foster offers a lively, meticulously researched portrait of Gwen John, a vital and compelling figure in 20th-century art.

CATHERINE COLDSTREAM: CLOISTERED

Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: E3

Catherine Coldstream shares her striking story of the 12 years she spent as a contemplative nun in a strictly enclosed community in the 1990s.

GEORGE MONBIOT

Time: 5pm–6pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: E4

Legendary environmentalist and Guardian columnist George Monbiot has been fighting for a better future for our planet for decades. Now he takes on the ideology that controls our lives – and helps us to find a better alternative worth fighting for.

ABIGAIL DEAN & STIG ABELL

Time: 5pm–6pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: E5

Bestselling author Abigail Dean joins journalist and Times Radio host, Stig Abell, for a chat about their new novels, love of crime fiction and publishing that pivotal second book.

BECKY

HUNTER: MEET ME WHEN MY HEART STOPS

Time: 7pm–8pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Waterstones Code: E6

What if your soulmate could only ever be the love of your afterlife? Becky Hunter joins Georgina Moore (The Garnett Girls) to introduce her new novel. Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged!

CONN IGGULDEN: NERO

Time: 7.30pm–8.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: E7

Travel to the heart of a Roman dynasty drenched in danger and intrigue with master storyteller, Conn Iggulden, as he brings us the first instalment of his brand-new Nero trilogy.

CARA DILLON: COMING HOME

Time: 7.30pm–8.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: E8

Internationally renowned, award-winning folk singer Cara Dillon, one of Ireland’s most cherished musical talents, joins us for a special performance, combining music, songs, poems and readings from her debut book.

THURSDAY 23 MAY

LUNCHTIME TALK: THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS

Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: F2

We all want to be happier, but our brains often get in the way. Happiness expert and psychologist Professor Bruce Hood will demonstrate seven simple lifechanging lessons to break our negative thought patterns and find happiness.

CONFESSIONS OF A LITERARY AGENT

Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: F3

Veteran literary agent Simon Trewin reveals everything you ever wanted to know about getting published but never dared ask in this candid and encouraging event aimed at anyone taking those first tentative steps towards putting pen to paper.

JONATHAN DIMBLEBY: ENDGAME 1944

Time: 5pm–6pm

Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: F4

Join broadcaster and bestselling historian, Jonathan Dimbleby for a launch event on the publication day of his new book, Endgame 1944, a gripping and authoritative account of the year that sealed the fate of the Nazis.

THE WHEEL IS SPINNING BUT THE HAMSTER IS DEAD

Time: 5pm–6pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: F5

Wordsmith Adam Sharp brings us an entertaining show blending stand-up and excerpts from his book as he journeys around the world in hilarious idioms, proverbs, insults and general nonsense.

ZULEKHÁ A. AFZAL: DANCERS OF THE DAWN

Time: 7pm–8pm Price: £8/£5 (concs)* Venue: Waterstones Code: F6

A special pre-publication event with an exciting new name in YA fantasy fiction, Zulekhá A. Afzal as she launches her stunning debut, Dancers of the Dawn. She talks to Joanna Nadin.

CATHY RENTZENBRINK TALKS TO MAX PORTER

Time: 7pm–8pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Waterstones Code: F7

Bestselling author Cathy Rentzenbrink unveils her wise, moving and funny new novel, Ordinary Time, in this exclusive pre-publication event hosted by her friend and fellow writer, Max Porter. Your ticket includes a glass of wine or soft drink and a bespoke sampler of Ordinary Time, due to be published in July

DANNY WALLACE: SOMEBODY TOLD ME

Time: 7.30pm–8.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: F8

Bestselling author Danny Wallace takes us on a journey down the rabbit hole of lies, trolls and conspiracies – shedding light on this shadowy topic with his trademark humour and insatiable curiosity.

LITERATURE EVENTS

FRIDAY 24 MAY

JACK CORNISH: THE LOST PATHS

Time: 1.30am–2.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: G2

Discover the rich history of Britain’s ancient pathways with Jack Cornish, Head of Paths at the Ramblers Association in this fascinating talk, specially created for the festival to include paths and walks around Bath.

LUNCHTIME TALK: VENICE, CITY OF PICTURES

Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: G3

Art critic Martin Gayford takes us on a compelling visual journey through five centuries of the city known as La Serenissima in this captivating talk.

MAGGIE ADERIN-POCOCK: THE ART OF STARGAZING

Time: 5pm–6pm

Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: G4

Come and explore the night sky with award-winning superstar space scientist and BBC The Sky at Night presenter Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock as she shares her expertise and unique insights into the marvellous world of stars!

TALKING THERAPY: BENJI WATERHOUSE & JOSHUA FLETCHER

Time: 5pm–6pm

Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: G5

Bestselling psychotherapist Joshua Fletcher and frontline NHS psychiatrist

Benji Waterhouse share their revelatory, moving and often amusing insights on working in mental health care with Cathy Rentzenbrink

JOSH SILVER: DEAD HAPPY

Time: 7pm–8pm Price: £8/£5 (concs)* Venue: Waterstones Code: G6

Sensational author Josh Silver joins us to launch the next novel in his heartpounding YA series, Dead Happy – a spectacular, cinematic, thought-provoking dystopian thriller. He talks to author Joanna Nadin.

CLOUD ATLAS 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH DAVID MITCHELL

Time: 7.30pm–8.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: G7

Join bestselling author David Mitchell as he celebrates the 20th anniversary of his genre-defying, Booker-shortlisted novel, Cloud Atlas. David will reflect on his breakthrough novel and what it meant for his writing career.

KEANU REEVES IS NOT IN LOVE WITH YOU

Time: 7.30pm–8.30pm Price: £11/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: G8

Becky Holmes shines a revealing, revolting and frequently hilarious light on a very shady corner of the internet. She shares her online adventures winding up scammers and investigating the truth behind their profiles.

SATURDAY 25 MAY

ANCIENT WONDERS WITH BETTANY HUGHES & LLOYD

LLEWELLYN-JONES

Time: 11.30am–12.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: H1

Explore the ancient world with historians Bettany Hughes (The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones (The Cleopatras). They talk about bringing their research to life in their books and ask why we wonder, why we create, why we choose to remember the wonder of others.

READ THEM HERE FIRST

Time: 11.30am–12.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: H2

Our pick of the year’s best first novels! Be among the first to hear about three of this summer’s most hotly anticipated debuts in this showcase– as stand-out authors Fiona Williams (The House of Broken Bricks), Vanessa Walters (The Lagos Wife) and Kaliane Bradley (The Ministry of Time) talk to Cathy Rentzenbrink

SEE WHAT YOU’RE MISSING WITH WILL GOMPERTZ

Time: 2.30pm–3.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: H3

World-leading art expert Will Gompertz takes us into the minds of artists – from contemporary stars to old masters – to show us how to look and experience the world with their heightened powers of perception.

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE WITH JULIUS ROBERTS

Time: 2.30pm–3.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: H4

Julius Roberts is a first-generation farmer and chef, on a mission to live a selfsufficient life whilst also cultivating the finest ingredients on his smallholding on the Dorset coast. He chats to filmmaker and activist Jack Harries about the benefits of learning to live seasonally, with and from the land.

POLITICS MADE SIMPLE

Time: 5pm–6pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: H6

Join Simple Politics founder, Tatton Spiller, and journalist Ben Riley-Smith for a lucid, entertaining and positive look at how we here – and how we can chart a path towards a kinder, more hopeful future.

STACEY HALLS & SUSAN STOKES-CHAPMAN

Time: 5pm–6pm

Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: H7

Outstanding historical fiction writers, Stacey Halls and Susan Stokes-Chapman make a welcome return to the festival, to discuss their alluring, immersive new novels with writer-in-residence Cathy Rentzenbrink

JOHN BOYNE TALKS TO DONAL RYAN

Time: 7.30pm–8.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: H9

Internationally bestselling author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and The Heart’s Invisible Furies, John Boyne introduces Earth, the second in his quartet of intimate, interlinked novels, in conversation with fellow Irish writer, Donal Ryan.

HELEN LEDERER: NOT THAT I’M BITTER

Time: 7.30pm–8.30pm

Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: H10

A riotously frank and funny evening with the Absolutely Fabulous star, comedian and writer, Helen Lederer, who was at the heart of the alternative comedy scene of the 1980s. She offers a front row seat to her life as a pioneering female standup, reveals just how tough it was to break through and why she is now devoted to creating opportunities for other witty women.

SUNDAY 26 MAY

CHARLIE HIGSON & KIM SHERWOOD: WRITING JAMES BOND

Time: 11am–12pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: J1

Charlie Higson and Kim Sherwood take a focused look at James Bond, the world’s greatest literary spy. Having both written their own Bond books, they’ll discuss how they approached writing such an iconic character for a contemporary audience, and why he continues to delight audiences across the world over 70 years since his creation.

NAVIGATING THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Time: 11am–12pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: J2

Powerhouse environmental activists, Tori Tsui and Mikaela Loach are here to offer their fresh and radical perspectives to reframe the eco-anxiety so many of us feel and focus on real climate action that could drastically change the world as we know it.

THE GREAT POST OFFICE SCANDAL

Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: J3

Journalist Rebecca Thomson (who broke the Post Office accounting story) talks to post office manager Nichola Arch, actor John Hollingworth (from ITV’s Mr Bates vs. The Post Office) and journalist Nick Wallis (author of The Great Post Office Scandal) about their personal experiences of this huge miscarriage of justice, as well as updating us on the ongoing public inquiry in this unique Bath Festival event.

CLOVER STROUD TALKS TO CATHY RENTZENBRINK

Time: 1.30pm–2.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: J4

Clover Stroud discusses her new, profound and moving book, The Giant on the Skyline with Cathy Rentzenbrink, in which she examines the meaning of home and what it means to her.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION

Time: 4pm–5pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: J5

The Women’s Prize for Fiction is the UK’s most prestigious annual book award for fiction written by women. Judge Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ (A Spell of Good Things) joins Cathy Rentzenbrink and one of this year’s shortlisted authors (to be announced in April!) to talk about the prize’s impact and celebrate the work it has championed.

ELLY GRIFFITHS & MARK BILLINGHAM

Time: 4pm–5pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: J6

Two titans of crime writing, Elly Griffiths and Mark Billingham, come together to talk twists and turns with Joe Haddow, as they reveal the inspirations behind their latest novels and why they love writing returning characters.

TEA WITH MISS AUSTEN

Time: 4.30pm–6pm Price: £20* Venue: Waterstones Code: J7

It is a truth universally acknowledged that every good mystery is in need of a brilliant sleuth… Join Jessica Bull, author of Miss Austen Investigates, for tea, cake and crime as she discusses her sparkling debut over tea with Joanna Nadin. Regency costumes encouraged! Your ticket includes tea/coffee & a selection of delicious cakes from Waterstones Café.

SUNDAY 26 MAY (CONTINUED)

MICHAEL BALL: DIFFERENT ASPECTS

Time: 6.30pm–7.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: J8

West End legend Michael Ball joins us to talk about his sparkling memoir, taking us backstage in the making of the west end hit that changed his life forever and sharing anecdotes from his glittering career.

LYNN BARBER: A LITTLE ART EDUCATION

Time: 6.30pm–7.30pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Guildhall Code: J9

Legendary journalist Lynn Barber shares weird and wonderful stories from the epicentre of the art world and the great figures who inhabit it.

RICK STROUD: WOMEN OF THE RESISTANCE

Time: 7pm–8pm Price: £13/£8 (concs)* Venue: Waterstones Code: J10

Rick Stroud tells the enthralling untold story of the remarkable women of the resistance in Belgium and occupied France during the First World War.