Edwina Currie, Jackie Kay, Erica James and teen author Melvin Burgess head a cast of local writers giving talks, readings and workshops over Oxfam's book-loving weekend.
There's something for everyone with storytelling for the under-fives, face-painting, books and craft stalls, live music and refreshments.
Plus an auction of rare and antique books with TV's Adam Partridge!
10.30 am - 5 pm at the Festival Hall on Talbot Road.
£1 Festival admission. Some events ticketed. Proceeds to Oxfam.
Festival Programme
Saturday 15 September
- Reading Room
11am Festival opening with Edwina Currie, reading from her newest diaries (published 18th September)
12pm Conrad Williams, award-winning horror writer, reads from his novels Loss of Separation and Blonde on a Stick
1pm Parveen Smith leads a workshop and introduces her book Seeing is Believing, Believing is Seeing
2pm Nicholas Royle talks about his latest non-fiction book, London Gothic (published 2nd September)
3pm Livi Michael introduces her new children’s novel, Malkin Child (published 18th August)
4pm Erica James discusses her latest novel The Real Katie Lavender in conversation with Oxfam’s Deborah Grace
- Children’s Room
2-5pm Storytelling for the under-fives with Rita McCaughley. Come in fancy dress as your favourite character for the chance to win a prize!
3.30pm Judging for fancy dress competition
- Main Hall
Both days Live music from Sadie Pickering, Martha Evans, The Graduates and The Alstonian Wind Quintet
Sunday
- Reading Room
11am Elizabeth Baines reads from her short story collection Balancing on the Edge of the World and her two novels
12pm Mike Garry reads a selection of his poetry
1pm Melvin Burgess reads from his novels and answers questions from the audience
2pm Zoe Lambert reads from her short story collection The War Tour
3pm Claire Urwin, playwright and poet, reads a selection of her work
4pm Jackie Kay reads from her new short story collection Reality, Reality
- Children’s Room
11am Book Club workshop, looking at how to start and maintain a successful book club
2pm Bryony Pearce leads the audience in a fun interactive exploration of her award-winning novel Angel’s Fury
3pm Jon Mayhew turns the audience into a group of evil genies from his teen novel The Bonehill Curse
- Main Hall
3pm TV auctioneer Adam Partridge hosts an auction of collectables and rare books
Admission is £1 on the door. All events are free (subject to availability) except Edwina Currie and Jackie Kay (£5 each, includes admission price), available in advance from Oxfam in Alderley Edge or Didsbury. All proceeds to Oxfam Education projects.
Call: 01625 583 162 or 0161 434 5380 or further information.
Details also available at the Oxfam Bookshop at 23 London Road, Alderley Edge.