Back for a third year, Orpington’s celebration of the written and spoken word returns, brought to you by Orpington 1st Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Bromley Libraries, and supported by Rotary Orpington District E-club.
Taking place from Monday 13th May – Saturday 18th May, sixteen authors will feature in a week of town centre events aimed at a variety of audiences.
Orpington Literary Festival 2024 kicks off in
Orpington Library with an appearance from New York Times, Sunday
Times and Amazon #1 bestselling author of over fifty-five
novels, James Swallow (pictured below). Also a BAFTA-nominated scriptwriter with millions of
books in print worldwide, James will be discussing his work with event host
Paul Evers, as well as signing books, on Monday evening.
Midweek, the ever-popular Pato Lounge hosts a special literary themed quiz, whilst a trip down memory lane with the authors of two music industry memoirs awaits visitors to BR6 Bakehouse on Thursday evening. Nicky Forbes (drummer for the Revillos) and Alf Martin (Melody Maker, Sounds) join Khalid Siddiqui to discuss their books ‘The Rhythm Method’ and ‘What’s It All About Alfie’.
Back at Orpington Library, Yoto Carnegie Medal shortlisted author Nathanael Lessore (pictured above) will talk with local year 7 & 8 and pupils about his book, "Steady For This", and on Saturday, families are invited to explore the wonders of the natural world at an interactive session with children’s author-illustrator Matt Robertson.
Topping the bill for this year’s festival, at a special event held at London South East College’s BR6 Bakehouse - soldier, survivor, and inspiration Simon Weston CBE will be in conversation with historian, writer, and broadcaster Dr Tessa Dunlop.
Simon Weston has become well-known across the United Kingdom and abroad for his struggle to overcome his injuries and redefine his role in life. His message is one of achievement and triumph in the face of adversity. Tessa Dunlop, a Sunday Times bestselling author, has a particular interest in war and royalty and has earned a reputation for speaking truth to power. Their discussion promises to be insightful and engaging in equal measure.
Orpington 1st Executive Director, Chris Travers, said, “We’re big believers in the positive role that arts, culture, and entertainment play in shaping places, and we’re delighted to work in partnership with Bromley Libraries to bring these events to the town centre.”
For a more details and a full list of events CLICK HERE
