Burnham Book Festival returns today (Saturday, 6th September), transforming the Princess Theatre into a lively hub for readers, writers, and curious minds with further events also taking place in the library.
Organiser Lewis Coleman says a busy line-up of activities, workshops and talks will be held through the day – with the full schedule below. “If there was a theme this year, it would be life stories,” says Lewis.
Burnham author Alan Huddart will talk about his life at sea as a Radio Officer. Alan served as a radio operator and has published his first book this year that recalls a busy career around the world.
Local rehab owner, charity founder and recent BEM recipient Angie Clarke shares her turbulent journey to recovery. She has dedicated over 34 years to helping others in the Somerset community and has been vocal and actively involved in changing things for the better in areas of mental health and wellbeing in both adults and children, substance misuse and victims of abuse.
Weston resident, Rob Coughlin, offers his story from the streets and jail, in his latest book, Tailspin. Zoe Langley-Wathen has stepped in at the last minute to replace Paula Rooney, with her talk Walking Myself Braver, recounting her 630 mile solo hike on the South West Coastal Path.
Robin Ince will talk on ‘Normally Weird & Weirdly Normal’, a warm and witty talk about his late life ADHD diagnosis.
There will also be three workshops, one of which is already sold-out, Captivating Characters. The two remaining workshops are Comedy Poetry, and Creative Writing and Mindfulness. There’s limited tickets available.
He adds: “A special event is being run in the theatre’s Aroma Cafe and Bar, Tea with Mr Banks, with James Tomlinson, son of the legendary actor, Mary Poppins star, David Tomlinson.”
“It starts at 3pm and is £8 a ticket, which includes a homebaked scone with clotted cream, jam, strawberries and a hot drink. There are very few tickets left and they won’t be available on the day as the scones are baked to order.”
“Every other event with remaining spaces can be booked on the day. That includes Dr Andrew Curran’s musical demonstration about the science of neuroplasticity and healing; bestselling, Richard and Judy Book Club author, Hazel Prior, and comic poet Robert Garnham’s recital.”
The Burnham Book Festival writing and cover competition winners will be announced at 5pm by multi-million book selling crime writer, Damien Boyd.
For more information and to purchase tickets click here: https://www.theprincesstheatre.co.uk/whats-on/
10:30 : Rock Bottom talk with Rob Coughlin. £2. Princess – Mendip Room
10:30 : Life at Sea talk with Alan Huddart. £3. Library
12:00 : Meet the Locals panel session. Free. Princess – Mendip
12:00 : Sh*t Creek to Somewhere Else with Angie Clarke. £2. Library
12:30 : Captivating Characters Workshop. £12. Princess – Pizey *SOLD OUT*
13:30 : This is Us: The Individuality Project. Free. Princess – Mendip
14:30 : Walking Myself Braver, Zoe Langley-Watham. £4. Princess – Pizey
15:00 : Poetry Workshop with Robert Garnham. £10/£8. Princess – Mendip
15:00 : Tea with Mr Banks with James Tomlinson. £8. Princess – Cafe
16:00 : Big Stuff About the Brain with Andrew Curran. £6/£4. Princess – Pizey
16:30 : Poetry Performance from Robert Garnham. £4. Princess – Mendip
17:00 : Award Ceremony with Damien Boyd. Free. Princess – Hall
17:30 : A Harp and Many Penguins with Hazel Prior. £4. Princess – Pizey