The Independent Bath Literature Festival 2016 by Bath Festivals

Celebrating twenty-one years of the Bath Literature Festival FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY — SUNDAY 6 MARCH 2016 Bath Box Office 01225 463362 bathfestivals.org.uk

Partners & Sponsors

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk

Title Sponsor

In Association With

Festival Bookseller

Creative Partner

Official Hotel and Restaurant Partner

Festival Partners

Associate Partners THE

DESMOND

PRIZE 2016

Local Media Partners

Supported by

Individuals and Trusts

Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust Sandra Le Marchant

Welcome

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362

Welcome to The Independent Bath Literature Festival 2016! For our 21st birthday — and in my third and final year as Artistic Director — our theme is Forever Young. Debut novels and fresh talent will be at the top of the agenda, with a record number of new writers featured this year. Of course, we'll also be marking the importance of something that never gets old: discovering a new book by a favourite author. Take your pick from Sebastian Faulks, Tracy Chevalier and Pat Barker.

e'll also be doffing our party hats to the names who remind us that age is an attitude not a number: Gloria Steinem (on her first visit to the UK in over twenty years), Joan Bakewell and inspiring political campaigner Harry Leslie Smith. Plus, we kick off global celebrations of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death with our Shakespeare Gala, a unique night of entertainment and hilarity especially designed to give an unforgettable (and accessible) glimpse into his world. If, like me, it's arguing with people and getting cross that

make you feel young and energised, our debates on the EU question and on British popular culture are built for you. On the other hand, it wouldn't be much of a party without comedy. Bring on Al Murray as the Pub Landlord, Dom Joly, Isy Suttie, Ben Miller and, returning to Bath by popular demand, Edinburgh Fringe sell-out show Austentatious: An Improvised Novel. As Shakespeare himself said: 'With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.' Bring them on. Happy 21st, everyone! Viv Groskop ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Waterstones Festival Bookshop

oining the 21st Anniversary celebrations are Waterstones (Waterstones. com) who return as the official bookseller for The Independent Bath Literature Festival. Visit their Festival Bookshop in the Guildhall where a wide range of books will be available or relax at the Festival Café — what better place to spend some time between the 2016 Literature Festival events? Don't forget to take your book along and get it signed at the end of each event. Also look out for satellite bookshops at the other Literature Festival venues.

Booking Dates ecome a member and beat the queues with priority booking (See page 60)

12 Early Release Events On Sale Now Patrons Booking Tuesday 5 January 2016 Pen Friends Booking Tuesday 5 January 2016 Pen Pals Booking Monday 11 January 2016 General Booking Monday 18 January 2016

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk

Join in and be part of the Big Bath Read 2016: Claire Fuller's Our Endless Numbered Days. It's 1976 and eight-year-old Peggy Hillcoat spends her summers camping and playing the piano. But all that is about to change. Her life is reduced to a forest where all that grows is a means of survival and a tiny wooden hut that is Everything. THE Sponsored by

DESMOND

PRIZE 2016

For details about how to take part in the book groups on 1 & 11 February, join the conversation and claim free copies of the book, go to bathfestivals.org.uk or call Bath Box Office on 01225 463362.

'Extraordinary... From the opening sentence it is gripping' SUNDAY TIMES

Bath Spa University would like to wish Bath Literature Festival a Happy 21st Birthday. The relationship between Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and the Festival spans the last 21 years. Our first graduating students were invited to launch their work there — giving occasion to the first public readings by authors and graduates Tessa Hadley, Patricia Wastvedt, and Mo Hayder.

oday, our students work for the Festival in a variety of capacities from interns to social media campaigners. Some of our graduates, now internationally renowned authors, feature in the festival as guest speakers. This year, Bath Festivals and Bath Spa University will come together to form the Creative Writing Education Hub. With the help of Arts Council England, we’ve developed a three-year plan that enables us to combine existing expertise, exchange knowledge, and inspire the next

generation of young writers. The Hub is a coalition of writers, researchers, educators and art providers working together to improve creative writing provision for young people in the UK. Join us on Wednesday 2 March (see page 36) to celebrate the launch. Our long and mutually beneficial relationship continues to flourish and we are once again delighted to be the Festival’s Creative Partner. Professor Christina Slade VICE-CHANCELLOR, BATH SPA UNIVERSITY

Strands

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362

Forever Young: Celebrating our 21st birthday Amongst the names reminding us that age is an attitude not a number: much-loved broadcaster Joan Bakewell; the brilliant campaigner who electrified last year's Labour Party conference, Harry Leslie Smith ('I am not a historian. But at 91, I am history') and the world's oldest working supermodel 87–year–old Daphne Selfe. Plus the 21 best ever coming-of-age novels and Arlene Heyman's electrifying book Scary Old Sex.

Bliss These lectures are created exclusively for the Bath Literature Festival and are truly unique. Leading writers and thinkers talk about their 'Bliss': the one thing in life they feel most passionate about. Including Caroline Alexander on Homer's timeless epic of the Trojan War, The Iliad and Erwin James on Freedom.

Comedy

History

Helping us celebrate the festival's twenty first birthday: Great British institution Al Murray as the Pub Landlord; Dom Joly on the weird and wonderful life behind global comedy sensation Trigger Happy TV; Isy Suttie aka Dobby from Channel 4's Peep Show and returning by popular demand, Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel.

This strand takes us on a journey through time from the remarkable rise of the Celts, the erotic poetry of Rome's sensual poet Catullus, Wellington and the battle of Waterloo, 19th Century India, Churchill's life and character, the end of the Cold War and the lingering consequences of WW1. With Robert Service, Max Arthur, Paul Cox, Margaret MacMillan and Alice Roberts.

Thought Leaders

News and Current Affairs

The most influential writers and thinkers of our time. Gain inside knowledge of British economics from Sunday Times economist David Smith. Learn how to succeed through failure with Matthew Syed's Black Box Thinking. Travel through Indian history alongside Radio 4's Sunil Khilnani or stride through Ancient Greece with Harry Mount.

Have your say on the EU with Vince Cable as Bath goes to the vote; be part of the debate on contemporary Russia or popular British Culture and join BBC News' Kamal Ahmed at 'Politics Live'. This strand also explores the drugs war in Brazil, the aftermath of the Egyptian revolution and the dramatic and turbulent period of David Cameron's first coalition government in 65 years.

Sponsored by

Create

Science and Nature

Join us at the Festival's pick of the best creative workshops around, promising expert advice and hands-on experience. Learn how to map a story in five minutes, dazzle an agent with a brilliant pitch or master the novelistic concept of 'show, don't tell'. Amongst the line– up: top literary consultant Helen Bryant and Bristol Old Vic's Sharon Clark with expert advice on writing for the stage.

Explore the natural world and the science behind it in this illuminating and thought-provoking series of events. From the beauty of the British coast with Patrick Barkham to humans’ special relationship with trees with Thomas Pakenham and the challenges posed by climate change with Oliver Morton.

In partnership with

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7 — 8pm Flashmob

Guildhall Southgate

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All day 10 — 11am 10 — 11am 11.15am — 12.15pm 11.15am — 12.45pm 1 — 2pm 1 — 2pm 2 — 3pm 2.45 — 3 .45pm 2.45 — 3 .45pm 2.45 — 3 .45pm 2.45 — 3 .45pm 4.30 — 5 .30pm 4.30 — 5 .30pm 4.30 — 5 .30pm 6.15 — 7.15pm 6.15 — 7.15pm 6.15 — 7.15pm 8 — 9pm 8 — 9.30pm 8 — 10pm

Streets of Bath Theatre Royal Bath Forum Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal Keynsham Community Space Guildhall Guildhall Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal Forum Guildhall Guildhall Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal Guildhall Guildhall Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal Forum Victoria Hall, Radstock Guildhall

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All day 11.15am — 12.15pm 11.15am — 12.15pm 11.15am — 12.15pm 1 — 2pm 1 — 2pm 1 — 2pm 1.30 — 4pm 2.30 — 4.30pm 2.45 — 3 .45pm 2.45 — 3 .45pm 2.45 — 3 .45pm 4.30 — 5 .30pm 4.30 — 5 .30pm 4.30 — 5 .30pm 6.15 — 7.15pm 6.15 — 7.15pm 6.15 — 7.15pm 6.15 — 7.15pm

Streets of Bath Guildhall Guildhall Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal Guildhall Guildhall Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal Bath Central Library Streets of Bath Guildhall Guildhall Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal Guildhall Guildhall Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal Guildhall The Abbey Hotel Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal Guildhall

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Streets of Bath Bath Central Library Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Streets of Bath Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall

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Friday 26 February A1 —

Pat Barker Sonnet Walk

Saturday 27 February B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10 B11 B12 B13 B14 B15 B16 B17 B18 B19 B20 B21

Voices in the City The 101 Greatest Plays with Michael Billington Sebastian Faulks: Where My Heart Used to Beat The Great Bath Europe Debate: In or Out? Ask a Literary Consultant Alice Roberts — The Celts DJ Taylor: The Prose Factory The Big Bath Read: Claire Fuller The Independent Great British Popular Culture Debate Arlene Heyman: Scary Old Sex Stalin's Englishman — The Lives of Guy Burgess Gloria Steinem: A Life in Feminism Vince Cable Erwin James — Bliss is…Freedom Neil Jordan Women and the Ageing Process — The Truth Poetry Salon: Tim Liardet and Rebecca Perry Isy Suttie: The Actual One Al Murray, the Pub Landlord Shakespeare Rattle and Roll Shakespeare Gala: Celebrating 400 Years

Sunday 28 February B1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8 C9 C10 C11 C12 C13 C14 C15 C16 C17 C18 C19

Voices in the City Joan Bakewell Creating Suspense A Refugee's Life The 21 Best Coming of Age Novels Jo Marchant: Cure Jonathan Glancey: Concorde Writing for the Screen Literary Walk: Bath in 1766 Jonathan Fenby on France The Big Bath Read: Claire Fuller Bel Mooney: Lifelines Misha Glenny: Nemesis Japan Now Marian Keyes: In Conversation The State of the Middle East Rosie Millard and Elizabeth Day: The City in Fiction Writing History — Stephanie Merritt and Kate Williams Jonathan Dimbleby

Monday 29 February D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 D11 D12 D13 D14

Literary Walk: Bath in 1766 Stealing the Scene Max Arthur: Churchill A Life in Pictures Thomas Pakenham: The Company of Trees Christina Lamb AC Grayling: The Age of Genius An Alternative History of the Twentieth Century Harry Mount's Odyssey The Real Science Behind What We Eat Literary Walk: A Victorian Pub Crawl Iris Murdoch — In Her Own Words Daisy Dunn: Catullus Tahrir Square — 5 Years On Poetry Salon: Greta Stoddart and Gerard Woodward

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Tuesday 1 March E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 E9 E10 E11

Paul Cox: Wellington Edward Lucas: Cyber Security Anna Pavord: Landskipping Saving Bletchley Park Literary Walk: Windows & Things Carol Drinkwater: The Forgotten Summer Caroline Alexander: Bliss is…The Iliad Romeo and Juliet in Palestine David Smith: Something Will Turn Up Adam Sisman: John le Carré Tessa Hadley & Deborah Moggach

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Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Streets of Bath Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall

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Bath Central Library Guildhall Theatre Royal Bath Guildhall Bath Central Library Streets of Bath Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Guildhall Roman Baths Pump Rooms The Abbey Hotel

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Wednesday 2 March F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12 F13

Literary Walk: Windows & Things Patrick Barkham — Coastlines Harry Parker: Bliss is…Floating Bringing Words to Life with Tessa Hadley Robert Service: The End of the Cold War Cake — A Slice of History Janet Ellis and Prue Leith Helen Stevenson: Bliss is…Making Music Literary Walk: A Victorian Pub Crawl Brian Blessed: In Conversation Landscape and Literature The Creative Writing Feast Tales Before Shakespeare

Thursday 3 March G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12 G13 G14 G15 G16 G17

Get Writing with Alex and Jude Velázquez Levison Wood: Walking the Himalayas Marc Allum's Antique Almanacs Writing Short Stories with Gerard Woodward Literary Walk: Green Park Remembered Ingrid Seward: The Queen's Speeches Oliver Morton: The Planet Remade Jamie Cullum: In Conversation Edward Wilson — Lee: Shakespeare in Swahililand Fresh Talent: Bloomsbury New Writers Lost: Young Writers Labs Showcase Understanding China Part 2 Hollie McNish and Vanessa Kisuule Alison Oddey in: A Gift for Eleonora Platform event after A Gift for Eleanora Literary Death Match

Friday 4 March H1 H2 H3 H4 H5 H6 H7 H8 H9 H10 H11 H12 H13 H14

Jennifer Scott: On Impressionism Dining with the Georgians Jane Ridley on Queen Victoria Mary Wollstonecraft Literary Walk: The Circus Lucinda Hawksley: Charles Dickens Be Inspired! David Aaronovitch — Party Animals: Growing Up a Communist Scott Pack: The Mathematics of Publishing Tracy Chevalier Linda Blair: Streamline Your Life Ben Miller The Graphic Novel Shakespeare Rattle and Roll

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Streets of Bath Guildhall Guildhall Nexus Methodist Church Guildhall Guildhall Nexus Methodist Church Bath Central Library Guildhall Guildhall Nexus Methodist Church The Abbey Hotel Guildhall Guildhall Nexus Methodist Church Guildhall Nexus Methodist Church Guildhall Guildhall Nexus Methodist Church

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Saturday 5 March J1 J2 J3 J4 J5 J6 J7 J8 J9 J10 J11 J12 J13 J14 J15 J16 J17 J18 J19 J20

Literary Walk: The Circus Emma Bridgwater: Pattern Politics Live Part 1 — The Economy Christine Riding: Art and the War at Sea Today's Russia: Putin's Path to Power Melanie Windridge: Northern Lights The Importance of the Short Story Bath PitchFest Celia Imrie: In Conversation Around the World in 10 Books Urban Landscapes Robert Welch: A Celebration Margaret Macmillan: History's People Kat Arney: Herding Hemingway's Cats John Suchet on the Strauss Dynasty Matthew Syed: Black Box Thinking Matt Haig: Reasons to Stay Alive Dom Joly Tales Before Shakespeare — Part 2 Oliver James: Not In Your Genes

Sunday 6 March K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13

Michael Pattemore: My Lynda Politics Live Part 2 — After Paris Harry Leslie Smith I Call Myself A Feminist Aftershock — Combat to Civilian Life Cameron at No. 10 On Hemingway Daphne Selfe: The Way We Wore Literary Walk: Green Park Austentatious Quentin Letts: The Speaker's Wife Stephen McGann: Dr Turner's Casebook Sunil Khilnani

Venue Information

Guildhall High Street, Bath, BA1 5AW

Abbey Hotel North Parade, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1LF

Igloo North Parade, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1LF

Bath Central Library The Podium, Northgate Street, Bath, BA1 5AN

Keynsham Community Space One Stop Shop, Keynsham Civic Centre, Market Walk, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1FS

The Forum 1A Forum Buildings, Bath, BA1 1UG

Beacon Hall French Cl, Peasedown St John, Bath, BA2 8SN

Komedia 22 — 23 Westgate Street, Bath, BA1 1EP

Victoria Hall Church Street, Radstock, BA3 3QG

asonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal M 12 Old Orchard Street, Bath, BA1 1JU

Nexus Methodist Church, Nelson Pl, Bath, Somerset, BA1 5DA

Friday 26 February

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 A1

Pat Barker: Noonday 7 — 8pm Guildhall £9 (£8) In Noonday, the latest novel from the author of the Regeneration Trilogy (Regeneration, The Eye in the Door and Booker winner The Ghost Road), Pat Barker turns for the first time to World War Two. In conversation with literary critic and former Booker judge Alex Clark. 'Bold, hard-hitting, unforgettable' THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

VOICES IN THE CITY

Sonnet Walk Southgate Free To mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, the Bard's sonnets will fill the air in a literary flash mob on the streets of Bath. Performed by the latest talent from Bath Spa University, a series of the playwright's sonnets can be heard from any point in Southgate, immersing you in 17th century prose. In partnership with

Saturday 27 February B2

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk B4

WORKSHOP NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

CREATE

The 101 Greatest Plays with Michael Billington

The Great Bath Europe Debate: In or Out?

Ask a Literary Consultant

10 — 11am Theatre Royal £10

11.15am — 12.15pm Guildhall £10 (£9) Under 18s receive 50% off!

Britain's longest-serving theatre critic and successful author Michael Billington celebrates the art of the dramatist, asking what makes a great play and whether the definition changes with time and circumstance. His provocative and highly personal selection ranges from the Greeks to the present-day — will you agree with his choices? 'A seriously pleasurable book'

Are we better off inside Europe? Or is there a strong case for leaving? Vince Cable, former Business Secretary, and Professor Christina Slade, ViceChancellor of Bath Spa University, argue for 'In'. Sir William Cash MP and Kate Hoey MP says we are better 'Out'. An explosive debate chaired by Financial Times columnist Stefan Stern.

THE INDEPENDENT

Voices in the City All day — Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 February Bath City Centre Free Throw yourself in to this year's theme of Forever Young and get knee deep in literature. Spread across the city centre, Bath Spa University's Creative Writing students will be providing literary interventions with the hope of creating and appreciating new writing. In partnership with

11.15am — 12.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Want to learn how to map a story in five minutes, dazzle an agent with a brilliant pitch, or master the concept of 'Show Don't Tell' Don't miss your chance to pick the brains of top literary consultant and alumna of Bath Spa University, Helen Bryant, founder of Cornerstones, the only transatlantic literary consultancy. Sponsored by

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362

Saturday 27 February B3

Sebastian Faulks: Where My Heart Used to Beat 10am — 11am Forum £12 (£10) Under 18s receive 50% off! One of our best-loved authors (Birdsong, Charlotte Grey), Sebastian Faulks' latest novel has been described as his most remarkable yet: 'Profoundly moving' — Independent on Sunday. This is a rare opportunity to hear him talking about his life and work. With Elizabeth Day, award-winning novelist and Observer writer.

Saturday 27 February B6

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk B7

THOUGHT LEADERS

Alice Roberts – The Celts

DJ Taylor: The Prose Factory

1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

1 — 2pm Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal £9 (£8)

The presenter of BBC2's The Incredible Human Journey and BAFTA-winning Coast, scientist Alice Roberts went in search of the Celts, an ancient people who reigned Europe for hundreds of years but whose achievements have now largely been forgotten. Accompanying a major BBC series, this narrative history explores their remarkable culture and rise to power. Sponsored by

Literary taste takes many forms and absorbs a myriad of influences. In this illuminating lecture, DJ Taylor, renowned literary critic and author of The Prose Factory explores the ways in which our reading preferences have been shaped over the past century, from Virginia Woolf's The Common Reader to the age of the 'Twitterati'.

The Big Bath Read: Claire Fuller's Our Endless Numbered Days 2 — 3pm Keynsham Community Space £5 (£3) In her gripping debut novel, Claire Fuller takes us on a journey of tension and intrigue in this masterfully written fairy tale thriller. Winner of the Desmond Elliott Prize 2015, this debut writer is a talent not to be missed. 'Fuller writes with a singing simplicity that finds beauty amid the terror' SUNDAY TIMES

Sponsored by

B16

FOREVER YOUNG

Vince Cable

Vince Cable joins FT columnist Stefan Stern to discuss his new book After the Storm. His topic of choice? The global economy of the past five years — and Britain's place in it — from his unique vantage point as a senior member of the coalition. 'Lucid, intelligent — and damning' — The Guardian. 'The man who gives politics a good name' — Rory Bremner.

Saturday 27 February

Multi-award winning director (Interview with a Vampire), screenwriter (The Crying Game) and novelist Neil Jordan delivers a page turning new novel, The Drowned Detective. Jonathan, a P.I. in Eastern Europe, is on a haunting hunt for a missing girl two decades lost. Jordan's 'belief in language is absolute, as is his mastery of it' I RISH TIMES

Women and the Ageing Process –the Truth 6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £10 (£9) Psychoanalyst Arlene Heyman (Scary Old Sex); award-winning beauty columnist Sali Hughes (Pretty Honest) and novelist Maeve Haran (What Became of You, My Love?) discuss the ups and downs of the ageing process for women. Chaired by television presenter Joan Bakewell (Stop the Clocks: Thoughts on What I Leave Behind). Men welcome (especially attractive older ones). Sponsored by

Saturday 27 February B17

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk B18

B20

COMEDY

Poetry Salon: Tim Liardet and Rebecca Perry 6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Join two outstanding poets shortlisted for the 2015 T S Eliot poetry prize. Bath Spa University Creative Writing Professor Tim Liardet's tenth poetry collection, The World Before Snow tells his story of a passionate love affair conceived in a Boston snowstorm. Rebecca Perry delivers her debut, contemporary collection Beauty/Beauty, shortlisted for the Fenton Aldeburgh's first collection prize.

Isy Suttie – The Actual One

Shakespeare Rattle and Roll

6.15 — 7.15pm Masonic Hall at the Old Theatre Royal £9 (£8)

8 — 9.30pm Victoria Hall, Radstock £5 (£3)

Award-winning writer, comedian, actress and songsmith Isy Suttie delivers a heartfelt and hilarious ode to the confusing wilderness of one's late twenties and to not being quite grownup as she examines how on earth you find a genuinely good man who doesn't use moisturiser. Chaired by The Independent's Alice Jones.

Marrying the Bard with The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Stones, Elvis, the Sex Pistols and many more, Martin Dimery brings you Shakespeare as you've never seen or heard before!

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 B21

Saturday 27 February COMEDY B19

An Evening with Al Murray, Pub Landlord 8 — 9pm Forum £12 (£10)

Shakespeare Gala: Celebrating 400 Years 8 — 10pm (incl. 30min interval) Guildhall £15 (£12) Under 18s receive 50% off! Salon: Collective (patron: Miriam Margoyles) of London's Cockpit Theatre present extracts from the Bard's best plays, performed by-the-seat-of-the-pants exactly as they would have been in Shakespeare's day. And Extempore Theatre, the people behind West End smash hit Showstoppers ('So polished it defies belief' — Telegraph) bring Rhapsodes: hilarious, touching and completely improvised. Can Shakespeare be funny, accessible and unintimidating? Absolutely. Suitable for aged 10 upwards. Families and students particularly welcome.

The nation's favourite Pub Landlord turns pop-up publican and invites you to his makeshift boozer at The Forum. A unique opportunity to see one of our greatest comedic talents, fresh from hosting Live at the Apollo. Ladies and gents, place your orders now! 'Firing from both comedy barrels' METRO

Sunday 28 February C2

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk C3

FOREVER YOUNG

Joan Bakewell 11.15am — 12.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) The epitome of our 21st Festival theme 'Forever Young', the acclaimed broadcaster joins Mark Lawson to discuss her moving and insightful new book Stop the Clocks: Thoughts on What I Leave Behind, which takes in everything that's important in life from politics, literature and love, to how to make a bed properly (hospital corners, please). Unmissable. Sponsored by

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

Creating Suspense — Sam Baker and Susie Steiner 11.15am — 12.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Novelist and founder of The Pool, Sam Baker's novel The Woman Who Ran is inspired by Anne Bronte's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Susie Steiner's Missing, Presumed is a tense, acutely observed thriller about a vanished post-graduate student. Here they discuss with Stephanie Merritt how literary writers inject the pace and suspense of crime fiction into their work.

A Refugee's Life 11.15am — 12.15pm Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal £9 (£8) Dadaab in North Kenya is the world's biggest and most notorious refugee camp. In this highly topical event, Ben Rawlence, author of City of Thorns describes how he became a first-hand witness to Dadaab's 'desperate limbo-land' and tells the moving stories of nine of its half a million inhabitants.

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 C5

Sunday 28 February C7

FOREVER YOUNG

NATURE AND SCIENCE

The 21 Best Coming of Age Novels

Jo Marchant: Cure

Jonathan Glancey: Concorde

1 — 2pm Guildhall £8 (£7)

1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

To celebrate the Festival's 21st birthday, our expert panel led by Artistic Director Viv Groskop and Guardian culture writer Mark Lawson debate the ultimate novels depicting the transition to adulthood. Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar, Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, Louisa May Alcott's Little Women... Can anything knock JD Salinger's Catcher in the Rye off the top spot?

Is it possible to live in tune with our bodies in a way that is based on evidence rather than fantasy? Join awardwinning science writer Jo Marchant as she investigates the field of mind-body medicine and aims to further our understanding of how our mental state influences our physiology.

1 — 2pm Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal £9 (£8)

Supported by our Creative Partner

Join us as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Concorde's first commercial flight with Jonathan Glancey, transport enthusiast, author and Concorde devotee. Drawing on unprecedented access to the supersonic aircraft's engineers and pilots, he traces its history from the moment the sound barrier was broken to Concorde's final flight in 2003.

Sunday 28 February C8

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk C9

C11

WORKSHOP CREATE

Writing for the Screen

Literary Walk: Bath in 1766

The Big Bath Read: Claire Fuller

1.30 — 4pm Bath Central Library £30 (£28)

2.30 — 4.30pm Meeting place on ticket £9 (£8)

2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

Join Gavin James Bower, lecturer in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and a writer for EastEnders, in a special screenwriting workshop. The session will focus on best practice, good writing versus bad, habits to pick up and avoid — with examples from a selection of successful writers for screen.

In 1766, Gainsborough moved to the Circus, Horace Walpole took lodgings near the Cross Bath, John Wesley preached 'in the midst of a piercing wind' and Christopher Anstey published his satirical New Guide to Bath. On this walk, Andrew Swift and Kirsten Elliott use their words and those of others to conjure up the Bath of 250 years ago.

In her gripping debut novel, Our Endless Numbered Days Claire Fuller takes us on a journey of tension and intrigue in this masterfully written fairy tale thriller. Winner of the Desmond Elliott Prize 2015, this debut writer is a talent not to be missed. Chaired by Mark Lawson.

In partnership with

For more details about how to join the Big Bath Read book groups on 1 & 11 February and receive a free copy of the book go to bathfestivals.org. uk or call Bath Box Office 01225 463362. Sponsored by THE

DESMOND

PRIZE 2016

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 C10

C12

A lifeline for many, some of her wise, compassionate and unflinchingly honest words of good counsel are gathered together here for the first time. this selection includes problems, responses and some of the wide-ranging mini essays that appear in the mail as ‘And Finally’. punctuated by some of bel’s favourite uplifting quotations, this collection also includes ‘what happened next’ with some of those who received bel’s wisdom – be it about love, loss, break-ups or breakdowns. A heartfelt and inspirational collection, full of valuable insights and prefixed by a wide-ranging and candid introduction reflecting on what being an advice columnist has taught her, bel mooney’s Lifelines is a book readers will return to again and again, each time discovering something new in the process. e

“Just as i have changed, so i know people must change to transform their own lives … my hope is that there will be much here to make you reflect on your own life, and possibly rethink.” beL mooney

THOUGHT LEADERS

Jonathan Fenby on France w w w.t h e R o b S o n pR e S S .co m | @t h e R o b S o n pR e S S

£9.99

Front cover photo © Robin Allison-Smith

2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Following the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, the next two centuries for France proved to be tumultuous indeed. Particularly poignant after recent events, historian and political journalist Jonathan Fenby delves into the recent history of our near neighbour in this definitive guide to understanding modern France. Sponsored by

bel mooney’s LiFeLineS

For over forty years, bel mooney has been one of this country’s best-loved journalists and authors, and her hugely popular Daily mail advice column reaches six million people every week. Far from being a detached and abstract figure, bel doesn’t shy away from sharing her own life experiences of grief, forgiveness and joy with her devoted readers, making her column at once both distinctly personal and thoroughly universal in relevance.

Sunday 28 February C14

Words to Help You Through

Bel Mooney: Lifelines 2.45— 3.45pm Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal £9 (£8) Bel Mooney's new book, Lifelines is full of wise counsel to turn to again and again. With trademark candour, wit and warmth Bel will talk about her life and work — sharing thoughts on how we can all change our lives. She throws out lifelines and so an inspirational event is guaranteed.

Japan Now – Soji Shimada and Kyoko Yoshida 4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Meet two fresh voices from Japan, offering a unique spin on literary genres. Soji Shimada's The Tokyo Zodiac Murders expose the dark underbelly of Tokyo through the decades in a playful mix of crime and mystery genres. Kyoko Yoshida's debut story collection Disorientalism absorbs diverse cultural references to present a distorted and dystopian vision of the country. Programmed by Modern Culture in partnership with the Japan Foundation. Supported by Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.

Sunday 28 February C13

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk C15

Misha Glenny: Nemesis

Marian Keyes: In Conversation

4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

4.30 — 5.30pm Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal £9 (£8)

Acclaimed investigative journalist Misha Glenny transports us to the favelas of Rio to meet Nem, a man who came to rule the slum where he grew up as a private fiefdom. A thrilling true crime story of drugs and gangs and poverty: and of the battle for Brazil's soul.

It's the world according to the brilliant, funny and international bestselling author Marian Keyes (Watermelon, Rachel's Holiday). Join us as she speaks to Sali Hughes about a new collection of musings on modern life, Making It Up As I Go Along, filled with hilarious and heartfelt observations.

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Writing History – Stephanie Merritt and Kate Williams 6.15 — 7.15pm Masonic Hall at Old Theatre Royal £9 (£8) Explore history in fiction with writer and journalist Stephanie Merritt (also known by her pseudonym S. J Parris), author of Conspiracy, and BBC Radio 4's historian in residence Kate Williams, The Edge of the Fall, as they reveal their historical novels set in worlds of war, loss, hope and life.

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 C16

C17

Sunday 28 February C19

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The State of the Middle East

Jonathan Dimbleby: The Battle of the Atlantic

6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) At a time when the Middle East plays such an important role in global politics, bestselling author Dan Smith reveals The State of the Middle East and its impact on an international scale. From oil to the refugee crisis, all is revealed in understanding the ever-changing landscape and conflict in the region.

6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

Rosie Millard and Elizabeth Day: The City in Fiction 6.15 — 7.15pm The Abbey Hotel / Igloo £9 (£8) Former BBC Arts Correspondent Rosie Millard's new novel The Square ('keenly observant' — The Independent) is about a moneyed urban neighbourhood. Awardwinning novelist Elizabeth Day's Paradise City ('acutely, funny, insightful' — William Boyd) is about the interlocking lives of four Londoners. Here they discuss how city life inspires their writing.

BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? presenter and Bath Spa University Honorary Fellow Jonathan Dimbleby returns to Bath to talk about his new book, The Battle of the Atlantic, and the crucial impact this campaign had on the outcome of the Second World War. Using diaries and letters, he creates a thrilling narrative, charting the horror and humanity of life on the perilous seas.

Monday 29 February D1

Literary Walk: Bath in 1766 10.30am — 12.30pm Meeting place on ticket £9 (£8) In 1766, Gainsborough moved to The Circus, Horace Walpole took lodgings near the Cross Bath, John Wesley preached 'in the midst of a piercing wind' and Christopher Anstey published his satirical 'New Guide to Bath'. On this walk, Andrew Swift and Kirsten Elliott use their words and those of others to conjure up the Bath of 250 years ago.

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk D2

CREATE

THOUGHT LEADERS

Stealing the Scene

Max Arthur: Churchill: A Life in Pictures

11am — 2pm Bath Central Library £30 (£28) This three hour workshop led by Bristol Old Vic's Literary Producer and lecturer at Bath Spa University, Sharon Clark, will focus on the importance of the opening scene to a play. How do you unpeel the story in the first scene to engage the audience? How do you 'show' not 'tell'? A workshop for beginners exploring writing for stage. In partnership with

11.15am — 12.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) More than half a century after his death, Winston Churchill remains a figure of undiminished fascination. Historian Max Arthur, author of a new authorised, illustrated biography of the great man, brings us a unique retelling of Churchill's life story through archive photographs, speeches, telegrams and other memorabilia. Sponsored by

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 D4

NATURE AND SCIENCE

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

Thomas Pakenham: The Company of Trees

Christina Lamb

1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8) In a beautifully illustrated talk embued with his profound reverence for nature, Thomas Pakenham, author of the much-loved Meetings with Remarkable Trees shares stories of the family estate of Tullynally in Ireland, and his travels to see magnolias on the Tibetan border and monkey puzzles in Eastern Patagonia.

1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Christina Lamb is one of Britain's leading correspondents and award winning co-author of I Am Malala. Her latest book Farewell Kabul is the story of the USA's longest war. A war that left Afghanistan one of the world's poorest nations, the Taliban undefeated and nuclear armed Pakistan perhaps the most dangerous place on earth.

Monday 29 February D6

AC Grayling: The Age of Genius 2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8) How did the 17th century give birth to the modern mind? In a riveting lecture, Britain's most publically engaged philosopher, AC Grayling explains how this turbulent period, fuelled by the original and unorthodox thinking of Francis Bacon and others, became both the crucible of modernity, and an age of genius. Supported by our Creative Partner

Monday 29 February D7

An Alternative History of the 20th Century 2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8) We may know the impact that two World Wars and the fall of the Berlin Wall had on history — but we still struggle to explain how the contemporary world was shaped. John Higgs Stranger Than We Can Imagine takes us on an unexpected and mind-boggling journey to explore the lesser known depths of history.

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk D8

THOUGHT LEADERS

NATURE AND SCIENCE

Harry Mount's Odyssey

The Real Science Behind What We Eat

4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Inspired by the heroes, locations and tales of Homer's The Odyssey, Harry Mount takes us on an epic and entertaining journey through the history of Ancient Greece as he relives his visit to Troy, his attempt to swim the Hellespont in emulation of Lord Byron and his daring exploration of the Minotaur's lair. Sponsored by

4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Leader of the pioneering British Gut Project, Tim Spector unravels the real science behind what we eat and how our bodies digest food. Microbes generally get bad publicity, but less than a tiny fraction of species are harmful to us and most, in fact, are crucial to our health.

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 D10

D11

Monday 29 February D12

HISTORY

Literary Walk: A Victorian Pub Crawl 5.30 — 7.30pm Meeting place on ticket £9 (£8) Join Andrew Swift and Kirsten Elliott as they go in search of the city's Victorian beerhouses and gin palaces, hear tales of some of those who drank not wisely but too well, and end within the timehallowed walls of a pub little changed for over 150 years.

Iris Murdoch – In Her Own Words

Daisy Dunn: Catullus

6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

Published for the first time, Iris Murdoch's personal letters allow us an insight into a great mind at work, bringing us closer to the author of the Booker Prizewinning The Sea, the Sea. Alex Clark explores her life and work with the letters' editors Avril Horner and Anne Rowe, and author Sophie Hannah.

Join classicist and debut biographer, Daisy Dunn to celebrate the life of Ancient Rome's Gaius Valerius Catullus, renowned for his darkly passionate poetry, and his affair with a married woman called Clodia. Dunn sheds new light on his poems, reflecting on how little human emotions have changed over two millennia. 'Rome's most famous bad boy poet comes alive as never before. Stunning' BORIS JOHNSON

Monday 29 February D13

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk D14

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

Tahrir Square – 5 Years On 8 — 9pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Veteran reporters Wendell Steavenson and Jack Shenker share their stories of a divided Egypt and its ongoing cycles of revolution. 5 years on from the mass occupation of Tahrir Square, Steavenson's Circling the Square and Shenker's The Egyptians explore the roots of Egypt's uprising and the stories of the revolution as experienced by Cairo's citizens.

Poetry Salon: Greta Stoddart and Gerard Woodward 8 — 9pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Award-winning poet Greta Stoddart explores the human impulse to understand mortality as she reads from her latest collection, Alive Alive O. Novelist, poet and Bath Spa University Creative Writing Professor Gerard Woodward joins Stoddart on stage with readings from his multi-award winning poetry collections.

Tuesday 1 March

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 E1

HISTORY

NATURE AND SCIENCE

Paul Cox: Wellington

Edward Lucas: Cyber Security

Anna Pavord: Landskipping

11.15am — 12.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

In this illuminating, illustrated lecture, Paul Cox, Associate Curator at the National Portrait Gallery explores the life, triumphs, politics and passions of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington through portraits; not only those of Wellington himself but also of his friends, family and associates.

Recent breaches have highlighted the crucial importance of cyber security. In a highly prescient talk, Edward Lucas, author of Cyberphobia, lays bare the dangers of the internet, and argues that we are moving into a post-digital age where once again face-to-face communication will be the only interaction that really matters.

Blending history, travel and the contemplation of nature, bestselling author of The Tulip, Anna Pavord takes a delightful foray into the British landscape as she meditates on our changing views of the countryside, and evokes her own journeys, from the hills of her Dorset home to Scottish Highland peaks.

Tuesday 1 March E4

Saving Bletchley Park 1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Multi-award-winning campaigner Sue Black joins us to relive her inspiring quest to save Bletchley Park, and secure the Turing Papers for the nation. In a fascinating talk, she explains how veterans, enthusiasts, computer geeks, technology, Twitter, trees and Stephen Fry all played a role in the campaign's success.

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk E5

Literary Walk: Windows and Things

Carol Drinkwater: The Forgotten Summer

2.30 — 4.30pm Meeting place on ticket £9 (£8)

2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

Join a walk in which Kirsten Elliott and Andrew Swift consider the fascinating story of windows and how changes in glass-making affected the architecture of Bath. En route, they also look at other interesting but often disregarded items such as roof tiles, drainpipes, bell pulls and coal holes.

Actress Carol Drinkwater is the author of the autobiographical Olive Farm series which inspired The Olive Route which documents her travels in the south of France. Its vineyards also provide the setting for her new novel — The Forgotten Summer. She joins us to discuss her journey from olivefarming to fiction writing.

Tuesday 1 March

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 E7

BLISS

THOUGHT LEADERS

Caroline Alexander: Bliss is... the Iliad

Romeo and Juliet in Palestine

4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

Homer's canonical epic is here revered and revamped by classicist and best-selling author Caroline Alexander. Her virtuoso translation brings to life Homer's timeless epic of the Trojan War — a story of conflict, tragedy and sacrifice. There's no greater bliss than the beauty of classical language in fluid and modern translation.

Bristol University lecturer Tom Sperlinger discusses his experiences teaching English Literature in the occupied West Bank of Palestine. Re-evaluating his favourite books through the eyes of young people living in challenging circumstances, he delivers fresh insights on the importance of education. 'Lucid and open-minded… this book deserves a wide audience' — The Guardian

David Smith: Something Will Turn Up 6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Author and Economics Editor of The Sunday Times, David Smith brings us a lively and penetrating account of the impact of Chancellors of the Exchequer, Prime Ministers, Bank of England governors and other senior officials on the yo-yoing, 'boom to bust' British economy over the past five decades. Sponsored by

Tuesday 1 March E10

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk E11

Adam Sisman: John le Carré 6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Like his characters, celebrated spy writer John le Carré has long been an enigma. Until now. His authorised biographer, Adam Sisman provides us with a revealing portrait of le Carré, from his bleak childhood to his recruitment by MI5 and MI6 and his emergence as the master of the espionage novel.

Tessa Hadley & Deborah Moggach 8 — 9pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Deborah Moggach, bestselling author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, shares her new novel Something to Hide, a worldwide journey full of betrayal and deceit. Tessa Hadley, Creative Writing Professor at Bath Spa University and author of Clever Girl, joins Moggach with her latest novel The Past; a family reunion full of passion and envy that stampedes toward an inevitable end. Chaired by The Independent's Arifa Akbar. Supported by our Creative Partner

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 F1

BLISS

Literary Walk: Windows and Things 10.30am — 12.30pm Meeting place on ticket £9 (£8) Join a walk in which Kirsten Elliott and Andrew Swift consider the fascinating story of windows, and how changes in glass-making affected the architecture of Bath. En route, they also look at other interesting but often disregarded items such as roof tiles, drainpipes, bell pulls and coal holes.

Wednesday 2 March F2

NATURE AND SCIENCE

Harry Parker: Bliss is... Floating

Patrick Barkham – Coastlines

1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

1 — 2pm Guildhall £8 (£7)

When Harry Parker stepped on a bomb in Afghanistan, he was punched into the air and there was a moment when he was floating; there was nothing bliss about what followed. But now, floating for him is bliss. It is his world muffled by water, weightless, painless and free. Floating is how he can escape the frustrations of his injury.

Told through a series of walks by the sea, nature columnist and author Patrick Barkham explores Britain's beaches, coasts and cliffs in his latest book Coastlines: The Story of Our Shore. From smuggler's coves to Brownsea Island, witness the profound story of our island nation and how we are shaped by our shores.

Wednesday 2 March F4

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk F5

WORKSHOP CREATE

THOUGHT LEADERS

Bringing Words to Life with Tessa Hadley

Robert Service: The End of the Cold War

2.30 — 5.30pm Bath Central Library £30 (£28)

2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

Somewhere at the heart of fiction writing, there's the desire to capture the sensations of experience in words. In this workshop, Bath Spa University's Tessa Hadley will be concentrating on that effort, working to find fresh words to make the world come alive on the page.

Distinguished historian Robert Service provides an illuminating account of how the Cold War came to an end, focusing on the two men — Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev — who spearheaded the breakthrough, and analysing the role of other influential players, including Pope John Paul II, Lech Walesa and Vaclav Havel.

In partnership with

'The Gorbachev era is brought to life in rich detail' THE INDEPENDENT

Sponsored by

Cake – A Slice of History 2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8) A whirlwind journey from cupcake to carrot cake and patriotic sponge to chocolate brownies, Alysa Levene delivers the history of the nation's favourite treat. Cake: A Slice of History looks at historical influences as well as what particular bakes reveal about your family.

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 F7

Wednesday 2 March F10

BLISS

Janet Ellis and Prue Leith 4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £9 (£8) In her debut The Butcher's Hook, actress and presenter Janet Ellis tells a young girl's dark tale set in 18th Century London. In The Food of Love, restauranteur and presenter Prue Leith takes us into World War II London. They discuss their passion for historical fiction and their journey to becoming published novelists.

Helen Stevenson: Bliss is... Making Music 4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £9 (£8) In her beautiful memoir Love Like Salt, Helen Stevenson describes how her family coped as her eldest daughter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. In her Bliss Lecture, Helen speaks about how making music with her friends has helped her to live the best life she can, even in the shadow of illness.

Brian Blessed: In Conversation 6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £10 (£9) There's no need for an introduction. Come and see this national treasure talk about his autobiography Absolute Pandemonium and all the roles in his life from martial artist, mountaineer and undertaker to actor and film star. Don't miss the booming tones of Britain's best-known voice: Brian Blessed. Enjoy post event dinner at award winning Allium Restaurant — special offer for Festival bookers. abbeyhotelbath.co.uk

Literary Walk: A Victorian Pub Crawl 5.30 — 7.30pm Meeting place (On ticket) £9 Join Andrew Swift and Kirsten Elliott as they go in search of the city's Victorian beerhouses and gin palaces, hear tales of some of those who drank not wisely but too well, and end within the time-hallowed walls of a pub little changed for over 150 years.

'You can't call it an adventure unless it's tinged with danger. The greatest danger in life, though, is not taking the adventure at all.' BRIAN BLESSED, THE INDEPENDENT

Sponsored by

Wednesday 2 March F11

Katharine Norbury and Lucy Wood: Landscape and Literature 6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Shortlisted for The Guardian First Book Award, Katharine Norbury's The Fish Ladder ('Beguiling' — The Independent) is part autobiography, part celebration of her love of the British countryside. Lucy Wood's novel Weathering ('Terrific' — The Independent on Sunday) is about how humans are moulded by places. Here they discuss how the natural world around us influences life and art. Supported by our Creative Partner

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk F12

The Creative Writing Feast 6.30 — 8.30pm Komedia The Creative Writing Feast launches The Creative Writing Education Hub, an ambitious 3 year partnership that aims to put Creative Writing in Schools on the national map. The feast will be a place to listen to the creative talents of local young people, to feed our creativity and to learn more about how to contribute to this exciting new project. The Creative Writing Education Hub is led by Bath Spa University in partnership with Bath Festivals and NAWE. If you are interested in attending please email education@bathfestivals. org.uk

F13

Tales Before Shakespeare – Part 1 8 — 9pm Guildhall £9 (£8) The plots and stories behind Shakespeare's plays came from a wide range of sources: Holinshed's Chronicles, The Decameron, Plautus, myth, legend and more. Richard Selby and David Metcalfe present a selection of these, reflecting on the origins of the plays, introducing the craft of storytelling to the academic sources.

Thursday 3 March

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 G1

WORKSHOP CREATE

Get Writing with Alex and Jude

Levison Wood – Walking the Himalayas

10am — 1pm Bath Central Library £30 (£28) Always wanted to write, but find a million reasons not to? Or could you do with a creative boost to keep going? Our writing exercises will inspire and motivate you. Whether you are a beginner or need a refresher, come along and get writing. Sponsored by

12 — 1pm Theatre Royal £10

Velázquez 11.15am — 12.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) A passionate admirer of Spanish master Velázquez, Laura Cumming, art critic of The Observer, sheds new light both on his great works and the appreciation of art as she interweaves his story with that of 19th century printer and bookseller, John Snare, who gave everything to own a Velázquez portrait.

A full-time explorer and writer, Levison Wood is the author of Walking the Nile (also a major Channel 4 series). His latest expedition takes him, on foot, through five countries along 'The Roof of the World' — a story of personal adventure and striving beyond the limits of convention. 'Refreshing' THE INDEPENDENT

Thursday 3 March G4

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk G5

WORKSHOP CREATE

Marc Allum's Antique Almanacs 1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8) BBC Antiques Roadshow regular Marc Allum regales us with tall tales and tasty titbits from the world of antiques, including the famous pop star depicted by Andy Warhol which realised £51 million; the price fetched by Oliver Cromwell's coffin plate; and the tiny portrait of Mozart which sold for £218,500.

Writing Short Stories with Gerard Woodward

Ingrid Seward: The Queen's Speeches

2 — 5pm Bath Central Library £30 (£28)

2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

Do you have an idea for a short story but are unsure of how to tell it? In this workshop Bath Spa University's Gerard Woodward will help you look at how short stories work, and by examining such issues as pacing and plot, find the best way to tell the story.

Last September at the age of 89, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Now in Her Majesty's 90th birthday year, Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty Magazine brings us an intimate portrait of the Queen's life and reign through some of the speeches she has made.

In partnership with

Literary Walk: Green Park Remembered 2.30 — 4.30pm Meeting Place On Ticket £9 It is 50 years since the last train pulled out of Bath's Green Park station to head south along the Somerset and Dorset line. To mark the anniversary, join Andrew Swift and Kirsten Elliott on a walk recalling Bath's lost railway and exploring the little-known Georgian terraces which once echoed to the sound of steam.

Thursday 3 March

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 G8

G10

NATURE AND SCIENCE

Oliver Morton: The Planet Remade

Jamie Cullum: In Conversation

2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

4.15 — 5.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

With limited time for action on climate change, some scientists are now proposing planned human intervention in the biosphere. Science writer Oliver Morton joins us to unpick the moral implications of our responses to climate change, and explore the potential for good when people themselves become a force of nature.

Known as an award-winning jazz artist, Jamie Cullum also has a deep passion for the written word, for journalism and writing that challenges and inspires. In this exclusive event, he talks to Artistic Director Viv Groskop about the joy of creativity and his beautifully designed magazine The Eighty-Eight, curated by Jamie himself. Sponsored by

Edward Wilson-Lee: Shakespeare in Swahililand 4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £9 (£8) To mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, Edward Wilson-Lee, a Cambridge lecturer brought up in Kenya, brings us a riveting celebration of the Bard as a global poet, who has inspired the devotion of decadent émigrés and railway labourers, Indian settlers and the first African leaders of independent nations alike. Supported by our Creative Partner

Thursday 3 March G11

Fresh Talent: Bloomsbury's New Writing Showcase 6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Looking for a new voice to fall in love with? We've hand-picked seven exciting new novelists to read exclusively from their work as part of this fast-paced showcase. Featuring Ann Morgan, Paul M.M. Cooper, Holly Muller, Natasha Pulley, David Savill, Ali Shaw and Eliza Robertson. Hosted by Artistic Director Viv Groskop. Supported by our Creative Partner

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk G12

G17

Lost: Young Writers Labs Showcase

Literary Death Match

6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £3

8 — 10pm The Abbey Hotel / Igloo £9 (£8)

Where do you feel most lost? From a forest to a fairground, an imaginary city to the inner workings of a mind, in the worlds of the Bath Festivals Young Writers Labs any landscape has the ability to make us lose our bearings and stray into an unexpected adventure. Journey with the young writers as they showcase their new group novel and get lost in their creative landscapes.

Called 'the most entertaining reading series ever' by the LA Times, Literary Death Match features 4 authors, 3 judges, 2 finalists and 1 'epic' finale. This live event is in 60 cities worldwide, has been optioned for TV in the UK and now comes to Bath — finally — for the first time.

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 G13

G14

Thursday 3 March G15 & G16

Alison Oddey in: A Gift for Eleonora 8 — 9pm / G15 Roman Baths Performance 9 — 10pm / Platform event / G16 with special guest (check website for updates)

THOUGHT LEADERS

Understanding China Part 2

Hollie McNish and Vanessa Kisuule

8 — 9pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

After last year's exploration of China's culture, join us for another foray into the mind and heart of the Chinese people. Tim Clissold, author of Mr China and Chinese Rules, is joined by acclaimed writer Xinran (Buy Me the Sky; The Good Women of China) in a conversation about recent political and cultural developments.

World Slam finalist Hollie McNish returns to Bath with her new collection of stories and poetry, Nobody Told Me. Hollie explores the learning curves of pregnancy and motherhood and how drum'n'bass can make great lullabies. Hammer & Tongue national slam champion Vanessa Kisuule opens the show.

Sponsored by

£20 (both events, incl. glass of wine) / £15 (performance only with introductory glass of wine) This one-woman performance explores the life, health and business of the first Duchess of Florence, Eleonora Di Toledo. Performed in the atmospheric surroundings of the Roman Baths and premiered in the Basilica di Santa Croce, Florence, Italy with music from Nick Sorensen. This is followed by a platform discussion of the research, writing and development of the performance. Brought to you by our Creative Partner

Friday 4 March H1

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk H2

HISTORY

Jennifer Scott: On Impressionism

Dining with the Georgians

Jane Ridley on Queen Victoria

11.15am — 12.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

Holburne Museum Director, Jennifer Scott, discusses the museum's most recent exhibition Impressionism: Capturing Life, uniting masterpieces from British public collections to celebrate Impressionists' observations of humanity. Art lovers — don't miss a first glimpse of this extraordinary exhibition coming to our beautiful city of Bath from 13 February 2016.

From celebrity chefs to Britain's obsession with French cuisine — Emma Kay reveals in her illustrated talk how the Georgians were the driving force in developing Britain's love for food. Admire Georgian foodie equipment from Emma's large collection and learn more about how we owe a lot of everyday pleasures to this particular period.

Jane Ridley is an award winning author and Professor of Modern History at Buckingham University. Her latest title, Victoria, is a short, fresh and knowledgeable account of the reign of Queen Victoria, the (then) longest reigning female monarch in history.

Friday 4 March

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 H4

In the Footsteps of Mary Wollstonecraft

Lucinda Hawksley: Charles Dickens and His Circle

1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

In search of a new balance between careers and motherhood, author Bee Rowlatt decided to embark on a journey in search of her hero, the first celebrity feminist Mary Wollstonecraft. Toddler in tow, Bee travels the world to learn what drove this extraordinary woman, making personal discoveries on the way.

Join historian and writer Lucinda Hawksley as she explores the life of her greatgreat-great grandfather, Charles Dickens and his extensive circle of friends and associates who included many of the most eminent and influential figures of the Victorian age such as Wilkie Collins, Elizabeth Gaskell and Lord Tennyson.

Literary Walk: The Circus 2.30 — 4.30pm Meeting place on ticket £9 (£8) This year marks the 250th anniversary of the completion of John Wood's most iconic building. Join Kirsten Elliott and Andrew Swift on a walk to meet some of its first residents, explore the ideas that led to its design, and discover how, with Queen Square and the Royal Crescent, it forms part of a grand design.

Be Inspired! 2.45-3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Meet successful local writers and find inspiration for your own writing career. Authors Lucy Diamond (Summer at Shell Cottage) and Lindsay Hawdon (Jakob's Colours) talk about their journey to becoming published writers — from joining writing groups to travelling the world in search of a good story. Sponsored by

Friday 4 March H8

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk H9

H10

WORKSHOP CREATE

David Aaronovitch – Party Animals: Growing Up a Communist 4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Award-winning journalist David Aaronovitch grew up in a communist North London family. He looks back on his memories of belief, action and Yuri Gagarin, and uncovers the unspoken shame and fears that underpinned his own existence as a party animal, exploring the elements that shape our fondest beliefs.

Scott Pack – The Mathematics of Publishing 4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £9 (£8) How many copies does a book need to sell to become a bestseller and how much money does the author make? Can anyone make a living from 99p ebooks? Publisher, writer and former bookseller, Scott Pack, delves into the hidden facts and figures behind the publishing industry, revealing some startling trade secrets in the process.

Tracy Chevalier 6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) From the author of Girl with a Pearl Earring comes a powerful new novel. At the Edge of the Orchard introduces us to the Goodenough family, settlers in the 19th century Ohio swamps. At her imaginative best, Tracy Chevalier brings to life a story of family struggle, the might of nature and personal determination. Chaired by The Independent's Arifa Akbar. Supported by our Creative Partner

Friday 4 March

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 H11

H12

H13

NATURE & SCIENCE

Linda Blair – Streamline Your Life 6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) We all have too much clutter in our lives. In this talk, Linda Blair will help you find the space you so badly need in your busy schedule, getting rid of the unimportant tasks that get in the way of being really effective. You'll learn to plan ahead wisely, and finally, how to say 'no'!

Ben Miller

The Graphic Novel

8 — 9pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

Apart from being one half of comedy duo Armstrong and Miller, Ben Miller is also a true geek. Having abandoned a PhD in physics for comedy, he has maintained a passionate interest in science and now joins us to talk about his latest book, The Aliens Are Coming! — a hugely entertaining and accessible guide to the search for extraterrestrial life forms.

Graphic novelists Reinhard Kleist An Olympic Dream and Barbara Yelin Irmina discuss the art of writing and illustrating for the graphic novel. You'll be spellbound by the fantastic and sinister illustrative talents of these two masterful author-artists as they take us through their journey from pencil to publication. Not to be missed by artists and novelists alike.

H14

Shakespeare Rattle and Roll 8 — 9:30pm Beacon Hall, Peasedown St John £5 / £3 Marrying the Bard with The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Stones, Elvis, the Sex Pistols and many more, Martin Dimery brings you Shakespeare as you've never seen or heard it before!

Saturday 5 March J2

Emma Bridgewater: Pattern 11.15am — 12.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) We welcome Emma Bridgewater, queen of British kitchen dressers and china cabinets, as she reveals the design inspirations behind thirty of her favourite ceramic patterns, from Beatrix Potter and Ladybird books to houses filled with Paisley eiderdowns and family holidays on the North Norfolk coast and the Scottish islands.

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk J3

Politics Live Part 1 – The Economy: The View from Inside Westminster 11.15am — 12.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Almost a year after the General Election, BBC Economics Editor Kamal Ahmed and The Independent's Andy McSmith take a close look at the British economy. How effective are the government's policies in encouraging economic growth and stability? And how are campaigns on the EU referendum affecting business and the financial world?

Christine Riding: Art and the War at Sea 11.15am — 12.15pm Nexus Methodist Church £9 (£8) Whilst we often hear about the artists and poets associated with war on land, the cultural history of war at sea has been comparatively neglected. Christine Riding, curator at the Queen's House, Greenwich, redresses the balance in an illuminating, illustrated lecture about the art of war from a naval and maritime perspective.

Literary Walk: The Circus 10.30am-12.30pm Meeting place on ticket £9 (£8) This year marks the 250th anniversary of the completion of John Wood's most iconic building. Join Kirsten Elliott and Andrew Swift on a walk to meet some of its first residents, explore the ideas that led to its design, and discover how, with Queen Square and the Royal Crescent, it forms part of a grand design.

Saturday 5 March

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 J5

NATURE AND SCIENCE

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

Today's Russia: Putin's Path to Power 1 — 2pm Guildhall £10 (£9) An insightful panel showcasing the expertise of foreign correspondent Luke Harding, Kiev-born television producer Peter Pomerantsev and former New York Times Moscow bureau Chief Steven Lee Myers, as they talk about Putin's path to power and the story of the corruption of one of the world's biggest rising powers and its post-modern dictatorship.

Melanie Windridge: Northern Lights

The Importance of the Short Story

1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

1 — 2pm Nexus Methodist Church £9 (£8)

The mysterious beauty of the Aurora Borealis is legendary. Renowned plasma physicist, Melanie Windridge takes us on a scintillating journey of discovery to explore both the legends and the science of the Northern Lights, offering new insights into their glories, and grappling both with the beauty and the dangers they present.

What defines a short story and how can we as readers identify and connect with tales of such sparse narrative? Bath Spa University Creative Writing Professor, award-winning novelist and editor of The Penguin Book of the British Short Story Philip Hensher explores the history of the classic British novella alongside short story writer Georgina Hammick. Supported by our Creative Partner

Saturday 5 March J8

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk J9

J10

WORKSHOP Bath Pitchfest 2 — 5pm Bath Central Library £30 (£28) — masterclass only 2 — 4pm £50 (£45) — masterclass and one-to-one with agent (10 min sessions) A masterclass in how to pitch a novel with literary agents Sallyanne Sweeney (Mulcahy Associates), Susan Armstrong (Conville & Walsh) and Richard Pike (Curtis Brown) followed by individual agent feedback sessions. Send the first 2000 words of your novel and one page synopsis with the name of your preferred agent to: bathpitchfest@ bathnovelaward.co.uk

Celia Imrie: In Conversation

Around the World in 10 Books

2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £10 (£9)

2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

Well-known for her TV career alongside Victoria Wood and films The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Calendar Girls, Celia Imrie is also a novelist. She joins Artistic Director Viv Groskop to talk about her new book Nice Work (If You Can Get It), the sequel to Not Quite Nice, set on the French Riviera.

With itchy feet we set off around the world, from coast to coast in search of the best of the international publishing world with writer and publisher Scott Pack, returning to Bath by popular demand. Make some room on your bookshelves as we uncover whole new worlds of fantastic literature in translation.

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 J11

Urban Landscapes 2.45 — 3.45pm Nexus Methodist Church £9 (£8) Landscape architect Andrew Grant has created some of the most innovative spaces in the world, including the famous Gardens by the Bay project in Singapore. He is joined by Piers Taylor as they explore the significance of the urban landscape throughout the ages and what the future of urban living might hold.

J12

Robert Welch: A Celebration 3.30 — 4.30pm (doors 3pm) The Abbey Hotel £20 (incl. ticket and afternoon tea) His elegant, yet functional designs made Robert Welch one of the leading British designers of the 20th century. Join us for a luxurious afternoon tea as his son Rupert Welch, the company’s archivist Charlotte Whitehead and Charlotte and Peter Fiell, authors of Robert Welch — Design: Craft and Industry discuss his lasting legacy with Simon O’Hagan, Editor of The Independent Magazine.

Saturday 5 March

Saturday 5 March J13

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk J14

J15

THOUGHT LEADERS

NATURE AND SCIENCE

Margaret Macmillan: History's People

Kat Arney: Herding Hemingway's Cats

John Suchet on the Strauss Dynasty

4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

4.30 — 5.30pm Nexus Methodist Church £8 (£7)

The story goes that an old sea captain once gave Ernest Hemingway a sixtoed cat whose distinctive descendants still roam the writer's Florida estate today. In this age of DNAsequencing, we now talk about genes all the time, but how do they actually work? Geneticist Kat Arney joins us to explain.

As the hugely popular presenter of Classic FM's flagship morning programme, John Suchet is much admired for his knowledge of classical music. In his latest book, The Last Waltz, he explores the fascinating history of the Strauss family, the musical dynasty that would popularise the waltz and whose fate was deeply intertwined with the turbulent history of 19th century Austria.

4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £9 (£8) What difference do individuals make to history, whether they be monarchs, elected politicians, dictators, or less visible movers and shakers? In this rigorous and absorbing talk, distinguished historian Margaret MacMillan interrogates the past to discover how the personalities and behaviours of powerful individuals can affect millions, for better or worse. Sponsored by

Saturday 5 March

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 J16

J17

J20

THOUGHT LEADERS

Matthew Syed: Black Box Thinking

Matt Haig: Reasons to Stay Alive

Oliver James: Not In Your Genes

6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8)

6.15 — 7.15pm Nexus Methodist Church £9 (£8)

8 — 9pm Nexus Methodist Church £9 (£8)

What links the Mercedes Formula One team with Google, and inventor James Dyson with David Beckham? Answer: they are all Black Box thinkers. Columnist for The Times, and former England table tennis number one, Matthew Syed, explains just how powerful it can be to learn from one's mistakes.

Sixteen years ago, writer Matt Haig almost ended his life by jumping off a cliff in Ibiza. He joins us to share the soul-baring story of his slow recovery from pole-axing depression, and the Reasons to Stay Alive which saved him from the dark and anxious days which still descend.

A controversial and ground-breaking take on the nature-nurture debate from the prolific writer and psychotherapist Oliver James. Our upbringing and parents, he argues, play the most vital role in our success. Unmissable.

Sponsored by

'The nation's shrink' THE TIMES

Saturday 5 March

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk

J18 COMEDY

Dom Joly 8 — 9pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Comedian and writer Dom Joly talks about his new autobiography, Here Comes the Clown. When his hidden camera show Trigger Happy TV aired for the first time in 2000 and became a global comedy success everything changed. Here he shares weird and wonderful snippets from his life in the limelight.

J19

Tales Before Shakespeare – Part 2 8 — 9pm Guildhall £9 (£8) The plots and stories behind Shakespeare's plays came from a wide range of sources: Holinshed's Chronicles, The Decameron, Plautus, Myth, Legend and more. Richard Selby and David Metcalfe present a selection of these, reflecting on the origins of the plays, introducing the craft of storytelling to the academic sources.

Sunday 6 March

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 K1

Michael Pattemore: My Lynda 11.15am — 12.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Whilst living on the Costa Blanca in 2004, Michael Pattemore fell in love with actress Lynda Bellingham. Known as 'Mr Spain' to viewers of Loose Women, he and Lynda were together until her death from colon cancer in 2014. Michael joins us to take an affecting look back at My Lynda.

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

FOREVER YOUNG

Politics Live Part 2 – After the Paris Attacks

Harry Leslie Smith

11.15am — 12.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) The attacks in Paris created a renewed sense of fear in the Western world, but also a great challenge for the media — how to report without encouraging prejudice or hysteria? BBC Economics Editor Kamal Ahmed discusses the profound impact of these events and latest developments.

1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8) RAF veteran and accidental political campaigner Harry Leslie Smith shot to prominence aged 91 when his Facebook post about Remembrance Day was shared 80,000 times. He's now a Guardian columnist and author of Harry's Last Stand. His message? We must protect the NHS and the welfare state. 'Everyone should read this and be humbled.' ANNIE LENNOX

Sunday 6 March K4

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk K5

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

I Call Myself A Feminist 1 — 2pm Guildhall £9 (£8) The hugely important I Call Myself A Feminist is written for young women, by young women. The view from 25 women under 30 is a refreshing look at a new wave of feminism. Join contributors Hajar Wright, Caroline Kent and editor Amy Annette to discuss what it means to be a feminist in modern society. 'Refreshing and eye-opening and much needed' THE INDEPENDENT

Aftershock — From Combat to Civilian Life 1 — 2pm Nexus Methodist Church £9 (£8) Over the last decade, thousands of soldiers were sent to war-torn countries across the world, often returning scarred by deep emotional and physical trauma. Matthew Green interviewed former combatants, as well as families and medical staff about the journey from the frontline to the reality of return, revealing the hidden cost of conflict.

Cameron at No. 10 2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £8 (£7) On 11 May 2010, David Cameron became the head of the first Coalition government in 65 years. Anthony Seldon, former head of Wellington College, and acclaimed journalist Peter Snowdon gained unprecedented access to the inner circle, from former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to the Prime Minister himself, analysing the most dramatic moments of this turbulent period in British politics.

Sunday 6 March

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 K7

FOREVER YOUNG

Liza Klaussman and Naomi Wood: On Hemingway 2.45 — 3.45pm Guildhall £9 (£8) As both Naomi Wood and Liza Klaussman have found, it's not just an infamous text that compels the reader. Come and discover the love and life of a true literary artist as they exquisitely capture elements of the life of one of the most influential writers of his time and ours, Ernest Hemingway.

Daphne Selfe: The Way We Wore 2.45 — 3.45pm Nexus Methodist Church £9 (£8) At 87, the world's oldest supermodel, Daphne Selfe is still much in demand. In this absolutely fabulous event, she shares her style secrets, and reflects on her lifelong love affair with fashion, which began with the organdie frocks of her 1930s childhood and continues well into her ninth decade.

Literary Walk: Green Park Remembered 4 — 6pm Meeting place on ticket £9 (£8) It is 50 years since the last train pulled out of Bath's Green Park station to head south along the Somerset & Dorset line. To mark the anniversary, join Andrew Swift and Kirsten Elliott on a walk recalling Bath's lost railway and exploring the little-known Georgian terraces which once echoed to the sound of steam.

Sunday 6 March

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk

K10 COMEDY

Austentatious 4.30 — 5.30pm Guildhall £12 (£10) Returning by popular demand, Edinburgh Fringe smash hit Austentatious: An Improvised Novel bring their wonderful comedy take on Jane Austen's work. Based on audience suggestions (from Mansfield Shark to Strictly Come Darcy), the show is never the same twice. But always hilarious. 'Hugely talented' TIME OUT

Sponsored by

Enjoy a pre-event lunch or afternoon tea at award winning Allium Restaurant — special offer for Festival bookers abbeyhotelbath.co.uk

'Joyously performed. Five stars' THE TIMES

Sunday 6 March

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362 K11

K12

K13

THOUGHT LEADERS

Quentin Letts: The Speaker's Wife 4.30 — 5.30pm Nexus Methodist Church £9 (£8) Author and opinionated journalist Quentin Letts' debut novel The Speaker's Wife combines Westminster intrigue and laugh-aloud satire with searching depictions of an England which has neglected its beliefs. An examination of the human condition and even a fairy tale love story. He joins us to discuss his first foray into fiction.

Stephen McGann: Dr Turner's Casebook 6.15 — 7.15pm Guildhall £9 (£8) Stephen McGann, who plays Dr Turner in the hit BBC drama series Call the Midwife, once pursued an MA in medical studies. He joins us to discuss both his role, and that of a local doctor within the newlycreated NHS, dealing with the childhood diseases meticulously depicted on the show.

Sunil Khilnani 6.15 — 7.15pm Nexus Methodist Church £9 (£8) BBC Radio 4's Incarnations is the great and expansive history of India, told through 50 significant lives. Sunil Khilnani steers you on an extraordinary journey from ancient India to the 21st Century. Sponsored by

BAILLIE GIFFORD LITERARY FESTIVAL SPONSORSHIP

AT BAILLIE GIFFORD WE BELIEVE IN THE VALUE OF GREAT LITERATURE AND IN LONG-STANDING SUCCESS STORIES.

IMAGINATION, INSPIRATION AND A COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE. Baillie Gifford is delighted to continue to sponsor some of the most renowned literary festivals throughout the UK. We believe that, much like a classic piece of literature, a great investment philosophy will stand the test of time. Baillie Gifford is one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest independent investment trust managers. In our daily work in investments we do our very best to emulate the imagination, insight and intelligence that successful writers bring to the creative process. In our own way weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re publishers too. Our free, award-winning Trust magazine provides you with an engaging and insightful overview of the investment world, along with details of our literary festival activity throughout the UK. To find out more or to take out a free subscription for Trust magazine, please call us on 0800 280 2820 or visit us at www.bailliegifford.com/sponsorship

Long-term investment partners

Your call may be recorded for training or monitoring purposes. Baillie Gifford Savings Management Limited (BGSM) produces Trust magazine and is an affiliate of Baillie Gifford & Co Limited, which is the manager and secretary of seven investment trusts. Your personal data is held and used by BGSM in accordance with data protection legislation. We may use your information to send you details about Baillie Gifford products, funds or special offers and to contact you for business research purposes. We will only disclose your information to other companies within the Baillie Gifford group and to agents appointed by us for these purposes. You can withdraw your consent to receiving further marketing communications from us and to being contacted for business research purposes at any time. You also have the right to review and amend your data at any time.

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362

Support Us

Support Our Future Engagement with the arts has a powerful, positive impact on the quality of life, culture, and economy of our community and with your help we can continue to achieve this. As a charity with less than 40% of our income from ticket sales, and with ongoing reductions in public funding, your support is essential in helping us raise over £1.2 million every year to bring world class literature and music to your doorstep together with the largest outreach arts education programme of any festival organisation. Last year, we worked with 500+ educators and 4,000+ young people. You can play a vital role in making this happen.

Become a Patron – be a part of the 100 club Become a Literature Friend From just £20 a year, you will enjoy membership of The Independent Bath Literature Festival and Bath Children’s Literature Festival. Benefits include: Priority booking and advance brochure mailing, discounts and special offers from festival partners and invitations to exclusive events Visit bathfestivals.org.uk/literature /membership

For more information visit bathfestivals.org.uk/ patrons or call Rosie Fearon, Development Manager on 01225 462231.

Help us achieve our goal of reaching 100 Patrons in 2016 and play a vital role in our future. From £750 a year, enjoy exclusive benefits across all of our festivals, including: • Priority booking and dedicated private booking line • Invitations to exclusive Patrons’ events including gala nights, dinners and regular drinks hosted by current members • Advance information and programme previews

Thank you for your generous support: Paragon Patrons David and Karin Embleton Andrew Fletcher Trevor Osborne Peter Stormonth Darling CT Circus Patrons Ken and Vera Barnes Jane Drabble and Bill Nemtin The Mayden Foundation Crescent Patrons Lucy Aspin Anthony and Fenella Avison John and Rosalie Challis Rob and Deborah Clements Lloyd and Claire Cossins-Price Dermot and Janet Coughlan Michael Coxon John and Yvonne Cullum Ian and Morny Davison Richard and Yasemin Hall Simon and Catriona Heale William and Wera Hobhouse Paul and Claire Jackson Conrad Jones Sheila McCormack John and Gill McLay Bel Mooney Nigel and Stephanie Pollard Brent and Fiona Pollard Bob and Diana Potter Chris and Denise Rogers Roger and Janet Rolls Andrew Rutherford DL Chris and Jan Shepley Jim and Hiroko Sherwin Marcelle Speller Clivette Taylor Bob and Jean Tyrrell Brian Woodford Hugh and Jill Wright Ian and Janet Wilson Lucy Woodroffe Nicholas Wylde Anonymous Patrons Life Patron Lady Evelyn Strasburger Literature Champion Joanna Dickson Leach

7 DAYS FOR £7 Sign up today for a seven-day package and enjoy both print and digital copies of The Independent. Your seven days for £7 package includes: Seven days of print editions, including all your weekend magazines  The Independent on mobile and tablet devices, plus a choice of PDFs and regularly updating interactive version  The last 30 weekend digital magazines 

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Bath Box Office: 01225 463362

Learning & Participation

Learning & Participation Bath Festivals Learning & Participation Programme aims to raise children and young people's confidence, agency, self-esteem and engagement in the cultural life of their communities through literature and music projects. We value and celebrate children and young people's voices through opportunities to perform and publish their work as part of our three festivals.

Young Writers Labs

The Creative Writing Education Hub Bath Festivals are delighted to be a key partner in The Creative Writing Education Hub, an ambitious three year project led by Bath Spa University which will work alongside 100 schools and a thriving community of arts organisations and creative writers across the region. The Arts Council funded project will deliver creative writing projects with disadvantaged young people and create models of collaborative working that embed creative writing in schools — inspiring imaginative thought, and raising language and literary skills. Building on the success of our Home Grown project we will be delivering a spoken word project working with pupils as they transition from Primary to Secondary School. We are delighted to be launching the Creative Writing Education Hub with The Creative Writing Feast on Wednesday 2nd March (see page 36 for more info). We hope you can join us to find out more about this exciting new project and celebrate its creative possibilities.

The Writers Lab is a group of young people aged 12 — 18 who meet once a month to work with writer Alice Maddicott. Building on their work on last year's Chancery of Lost and Found, the group are now working on a collaborative novel which explores the places you can get lost. They will be sharing their work in a special event at The Guildhall on Thursday 3rd March (see page 40 for more info) we hope you can join us to immerse yourself in their creative worlds.

Events for Schools Bringing Books to Life Drama Project Bath Festivals is working with Barrington Stoke Publishing to bring a unique English and Drama project for schools as part of this year’s festival. The schools taking part will, through a series of workshops, INSET training, resources and ready to use lesson plans, become equipped with the strategies and tools needed to use drama to confidently explore and investigate children’s literature. Schools will have the opportunity to work with a drama practitioner within their school to prepare for a performance at the Guildhall on World Book Day as part of the festival. For more information about this project please contact Sarah Dowie: sarah.dowie@bathfestivals.org.uk

Shakespeare Direct We are excited to be able to offer a special Shakespeare Direct schools workshop which will provide a unique insight into how Shakespeare's plays were originally performed and how his writing enabled the characters to come to life. This workshop is suitable for KS3 GCSE and A level students and can be tailored to work with the Shakespeare plays the class is studying. Workshops will take place on Friday 26th February and cost £150. To book or for more information please contact Sarah Dowie: sarah.dowie@ bathfestivals.org.uk Arts Award Arts Award forms a key part of our Learning & Participation programme and we currently offer the opportunity to complete the Discover Arts Award as an add on to all our projects. We are also an Arts Award supporter so if you are completing your Arts Award we can offer tickets for events and volunteering opportunities. To find out more please contact us.

Supported by the Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust

For more information on any of our projects and year round Learning & Participation programme please e-mail education@bathfestivals.org.uk

Waterstones

is proud to sponsor The Independent Bath Literature Festival 2016 We look forward to welcoming you to our pop-up bookshop and café in the Guildhall, where we’ll be selling a range of books by the festival’s visiting authors.

Where to stay

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362

Official Hotel and Restaurant Partner The Abbey Hotel Our Official Hotel Partner is located in the heart of the city, meaning this independently owned 60-bedroomed hotel is brilliantly located for the Roman Baths, Thermae Spa, Abbey, main shopping areas and our Festival venues. The much-acclaimed Allium Restaurant serves a varied and seasonal menu from 12 until 9pm including light dishes and salads, and the contemporary Art Bar is perfect for coffee, cocktails and afternoon teas. Festival goers will receive the warmest of welcomes from our Hotel and Restaurant partner. Special offers are available in Allium Restaurant and Art Bar for Festival bookers and a 10% Festival ticket discount is available for Abbey Hotel guests. 1 — 3 North Parade, Bath BA1 1LF 01225 461603 / abbeyhotelbath.co.uk

Hotel Partners Brooks Guesthouse Brooks Guesthouse is a stylish boutique townhouse, 350 meters below the Royal Crescent and a mere seven minute walk to the city centre. All bedrooms have designer wallpapers, comfy beds and goose down bedding. All bathrooms have Hansgrohe power showers. We offer a delicious breakfast, an honesty bar and free, superfast WiFi. 1 Crescent Gardens, Upper Bristol Road, Bath BA1 2NA 01225 425543 brooksguesthouse.com Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel The five star Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel is the perfect accommodation venue for Bath's five star Festivals. Sydney Road, Bath BA2 6NS 0344 879 9106 macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/ macdonald-bath-spa-hotel

SACO Bath SACO Bath offers a beautiful Aparthotel, right in the heart of ancient and historic Bath. We've restored an entire Georgian terrace to create a range of stunning studio, one and two bedroom apartments, so it's a truly unique and special away from home experience for stays of any length. 37 St James's Parade, Bath BA1 1UH 01225 486540 sacoapartments.com/bath The Francis Hotel The Francis Hotel offers an oasis of elegance with an eclectic edge that reflects the vibrancy and exuberance of the Regency period. At convenient proximity to the Roman Baths, Pump Room, Thermae Bath Spa, Jane Austen Centre, No.1 Royal Crescent, Theatre Royal, as well as the city's elegant shopping, culinary and cultural heart. Queens Square, Bath BA1 2HH 01225 424105 francishotel.com

Brooks Guesthouse

Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel

SACO Bath

The Francis Hotel

For more information about accommodation in Bath, visit visitbath.co.uk or call Bath Tourist Information Centre on 0906 711 2000 (50p/min).

Acknowlegements

Bath Box Office: 01225 463362

Bath Festivals Board of Trustees John Cullum Chair Carol Baines, David Bates, Councillor Chris Pearce, Celia Mead, Stephen Taylor, Richard Turner CMG OBE, Anna Williams. Chief Executive Belinda Kidd

Artistic Director Viv Groskop

Bath Festivals would like to thank the following for their invaluable support: The Festival volunteers, event managers, freelance production team and the managers and staff of all the Festival venues. The Independent Bath Literature Festival couldn't happen without the enthusiastic help of publishers, agents and programming partners. For a full list of publishers who have supported the Festival in 2016 please see bathfestivals.org.uk

Bath Festivals Third Floor, Abbey Chambers Kingston Buildings, Bath BA1 1NT

Photo and Illustration Credits

Development & Marketing Director Jane Jones Development Rosie Fearon, Clodagh Moynan Finance Rebecca Wheeler Production Kate Hall, Elizabeth Coyle, Ollie Corbett Learning & Participation Hazel Plowman, Sarah Dowie Marketing and Communications Anna White, Matthew Gilford Festival Administrator Danny Brothers

The Official Bath App

Brand and Festival Design Smith and Milton, Bristol

Registered Charity No. 801617

Finance Director Lynne Gregory

Literature Producer Judith Robinson

Box Office Zoe Bailey, Chloe Merritt, June Price, Pam Twohig, Lauren Eyers.

AC Grayling / © Rugby School / p.25 Alice Roberts / © University of Birmingham / p.12 Austentatious / © Richard Davenport / p.56 Ben Miller / © Ben Miller / p.45 Ben Rawlence / © Jonny Donovan / p.18 Carol Drinkwater / © Michel Noll / p.30 Celia Imrie / © Rachell Smith / p.48 Claire Fuller / © Adrian Harvey / p.20 Dom Joly / © Rich Hardcastle / p.52 Elizabeth Day / © Jenny Smith / p.23 Gloria Steinem (main picture) / © Annie Leibovitz / p.14 Gloria Steinem (Thumbnail) / © gloriasteinem.com/ / p.14 Greta Stoddart / © Julia Mear / p.28 Iris Murdoch / © Jill Krementz / p.27 Isy Suttie / © Steve Ullathorne/ p.16 Jenni Murray / © BBC Photographer / p.14 Jo Marchant / © Garry Simpson / p.19 Joan Bakewell / © Sukey Parnell / p.15, 18 Levison Wood / © Tom McShane / p.37 Jonathan Dimbleby / © Matt Austin / p.25 Matt Haig / © Clive Doyle / p.51 Michael Billington / © Natasha Billington / p.10 Pat Barker / © Justine Stoddard / p.9 Patrick Barkham / ©Fiona Shaw / p.33 Peter Pomerantsev / © Eleanor Crow / p.47 Prue Leith / © Colin Thomas / p.35 Sunil Khilnani / © Sheetal Mallar / p.57 Tracey Chevalier / © Jonathan Drori / p.44 Vanessa Kisuule / © Ailsa Li Chern Fineron / p.41 Vince Cable / © Vince Cable / p.14 Viv Groskop / © Idil Sukan / p. 3, 40 Xinran / © Juliana Johnston / p. 41

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Deals, what’s on, free trails and much more Search for Funded ‘Visit and Bath’ in your developed by theapp store Bath Business Improvement District & Bath Tourism Plus

Booking

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk

When to Book

Booking details

12 Early Release Events On Sale Now

Your tickets will be posted to you for a charge of £1 or free of charge if you include a stamped addressed envelope with your booking. Otherwise your tickets will be held for collection at the Box Office, or at the venue from one hour before the event. Booking by credit card either in person or by telephone incurs a £2 transaction charge. Booking by debit card either in person or by telephone incurs no charge. All online bookings incur a transaction charge of £1.

Patrons & Pen Friends Priority Booking 5 January 2016 Penpals Booking 11 January 2016 Waterstones Priority Booking 16 January 2016 Independent Priority Booking 16 January 2016 General Booking 18 January 2016

How to book • In person at Bath Box Office • By telephone on 01225 463362 • Online at bathfestivals.org.uk •B y post to Bath Box Office at the address below — cheques made payable to Bath Box Office. Please note postal bookings are dealt with alongside telephone and counter bookings. Bath Box Office Bath Visitor Information Centre Abbey Chambers Abbey Churchyard Bath BA1 1LY boxoffice@bathfestivals.org.uk

Box Office opening hours Monday to Saturday 10.30am— 5pm Open Sunday & Bank Holidays during Festivals only 10am — 4pm. General Booking, Monday 18 January: Counter Sales will open from 9:30am / Online Sales will open midnight on each booking date.

Concessions Concession prices are available to under–18s, full– time students, unemployment benefit claimants, disabled visitors and those whose sole source of income is a DSS state retirement pension. Concessions are only available when a separate price is given in brackets. Only one concession may apply per ticket. Group bookings We offer one free seat for every ten purchased to the same event when booked at the same time. Bath Festivals welcomes disabled visitors Please advise the Box Office of your requirements when making a booking. Access details can be found on page 8 or by visiting the Access Statement on our website bathfestivals.org.uk/ accessibility. Disabled visitors who need to bring a personal assistant are offered one free ticket. If you require a BSL interpreter, please enquire at the Box Office as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate this. Other booking information Please quote the event code when booking. Event times are approximate and doors open 15 minutes before each event. Tickets are non — refundable, but if an event sells out we are happy to offer returned tickets for resale. A £2 per ticket handling charge will apply on all resold tickets. Please note we cannot refund card transaction or online booking fees. Programmes and performers may be subject to change. All information in this programme was correct at the time of going to press. Filming Some events or shows may be filmed or photographed. Buying a ticket affirms your consent to the filming, sound recording or photographing of yourself as a member of the audience.

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Highlights

Pat Barker

p. 9

Sebastian Faulks

p. 11

Shakespeare Gala p. 17

Joan Bakewell p. 18

Ben Miller p. 45

Book online: bathfestivals.org.uk

EU Debate

p. 10

Gloria Steinem p. 14

Al Murray

p. 17

Marian Keyes

p. 22

Harry Leslie Smith

p. 53