“We’re excited to make literature more accessible”
May 5 sees a five day festival of all things arts and culture courtesy of the return of the Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival. We speak to its producer and curator Carole Winter about the ethos behind it, the ways in which the annual event has become so successful – and discover who’s on the bill for 2025…
Tunbridge Wells launched its first Literary Festival in 2022 and three years – and four successful events – later, it is now an established part of the local cultural calendar.
This year the festival, which starts on Monday, May 5 and runs until May 11, will see the likes of actors Martin Clunes, Rupert Everett, and Richard Ayoade appearing on the bill alongside established award-winning writers such as Nicci French and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. There will also be plenty of emerging new voices to seek out including Peach Morris and Lex Croucher.
From fiction to fantasy, poetry to performance, wellbeing to gardening, music to heritage – brilliant minds will come together uniting people through shared stories, thought-provoking discussions, and live performance in a variety of venues across Tunbridge Wells.
For those who think books are not for them, there is a literary lunch with Atul Kochhar at his restaurant Essence at the Pantiles, plus you can participate in walks, music, theatre, comedy, workshops and role playing games.
As always, the festival producers have sought to bring together a broad ranging line-up, spanning all manner of genres and age ranges, working to ensure that whoever you are, whatever you’re interested in, and however you like to read, there is something for you at the Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival.
PR guru and founder of Colley Raine & Associates Sarah Raine says: “We are very lucky, and think we should all be very proud of the provenance that the Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival has achieved in the last four years. It is now a well-respected literary feast, with visitors coming from all over the UK.”
Boosting footfall benefits not only the creative economy but local businesses too, giving them a platform to showcase their work. It also highlights Tunbridge Wells as a prime destination town.
Carole Winter, Producer and Curator of the TW Festival, says: “We have an incredible array of restaurants, bars, shops, green spaces, hotels, and iconic cultural venues, all of which contribute to making the festival experience truly special for both visitors and locals. Authors also love coming here. Michael Palin even sent a video encouraging other authors to visit, and Lenny Henry shared a heartfelt message of thanks following his visit!”
Alex Green, Director of BID, which has supported the Literary Festival from its inauguration in 2022 comments: “The Literary Festival, as indeed other festivals in the town such as Local and Live, contribute to the development of tourism by attracting visitors who might otherwise not come to the area. The Literary Festival brings thousands of visitors into the town.”
Nicky Blanchard, Centre Manager of RVP, shares her thoughts: “This marks our third year collaborating with the Literary Festival, which is an important part of our vision to transform RVP into a vibrant community and social events hub, in addition to being a shopping destination. We’re excited to make literature more accessible by introducing it to a wider audience who may not typically be drawn to literary events.”
Carole Winter explains that one of her key objectives in creating the festival was to unite the town’s cultural leaders.
“Involving The Forum, Trinity Theatre, The Amelia, and the Assembly Hall Theatre has been essential to its success. Authors are carefully matched with the ethos of each venue, allowing for a diverse range of themes, issues, and topics, enriching the festival experience for audiences.”
The Assembly Hall Theatre is a major draw for celebrity authors, as they are assured of large audiences. Mikey Powell, Theatre Director says: “The last few years have seen a sharp increase in the number of spoken word events at the theatre. The Festival has tapped into and helped accelerate that trend, providing even more great speakers and audiences through our doors.”
Highlights at the theatre this year include Lucy Worsley, Richard Ayoade, Stephen Mangan, the West End hit Austentatious, and international film star and raconteur Rupert Everett.
Matthew Robson, Director of Sales and Marketing for Culture at TWBC adds: “The Amelia Scott and the TW Lit Fest are closely intertwined. The first festival marked the opening of the Amelia and the building has proudly hosted a wide variety of events across the years for diverse and under-represented audiences from within our community. Our new relationship with The British Library brings their touring exhibition Unearthed: The Power of Gardening to Tunbridge Wells, and has brought sustainability, the environment and wellbeing to the fore. Expect fascinating talks from horticulturalists Sarah Raven, Kate Bradbury and influencer Martha Swales.”
The Amelia will also host thought-provoking talks like The Atomic Human, where Neil Lawrence explores AI’s impact. Visitors can also enjoy live music from pianist Alex Metcalfe and John Suchet’s personal journey into Beethoven.
Authors at Trinity Theatre include Suzie Miller’s Prima Facie, a gripping legal drama that explores power, justice, and the challenges women face in the legal system. The play, which was presented by NT Film last year, sold out two performances as part of the film season at Trinity.
Satirist John Crace will bring his sharp wit to the festival with Taking the Lead, offering a fresh perspective on politics. Comedy meets climate action with Matt Winning, who presents a stand-up interpretation of his book Hot Mess, delivering an entertaining and insightful take on the climate crisis.
The Forum, a much loved grassroots music venue known for unleashing new talent, will be the home of Word Up and the Young Company as well Alan Edwards’ I Was There which offers a firsthand account of his experiences in the music industry, sharing stories of iconic artists and cultural moments. Alongside it, Giles Smith will be bringing his My!My! ABBA through the ages, which explores the band’s enduring impact on pop music.
Commenting on the iconic music venue’s involvement Isobel Dormond said: “The Forum is once again teaming up with the TW Lit Fest team to host an exciting series of events featuring music and related authors. This longstanding partnership continues to reinforce the venue’s commitment to offering a diverse programme of not-for-profit events that bring together music and literature in a way that inspires and engages the community.
“Attendees can look forward to a diverse line up of biographers and musicians who will share their insights into how music shapes storytelling and culture.”
The Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival relies on the generous financial and in-kind support of local businesses and Carole is committed to finding creative ways to involve sponsors. This year, new to the Festival is the support of Town Hall. Lucie Merkle, Business Manager, is excited to host several events in the newly refurbished Council Chamber:
“This space has hosted plenty of serious conversations over the years and now it’s getting an injection of Crime and Punishment authors – the kind who know how to keep you on the edge of your seat. We are hosting Old Bailey Judge Wendy Joseph KC and the brilliant Harriet Wistrich who will be interviewed by the equally astounding Laura Bates. Powerful, and through provoking. We can’t wait!”
For Berry And Lamberts Solicitors, their involvement is more than just a financial transaction. Melissa Hollis, Marketing Manager for the firm explains that as a local business with a history dating back over 270 years, it is important that the law firm stays true to its philanthropic roots.
“We are passionate about our local community and experience, first-hand, the impact cultural events, such as the Tunbridge Wells Literature Festival, and cultural places, such as Trinity Theatre, have on the people and businesses in our wonderful town.”
Tunbridge Wells resident, journalist and creative writer Caroline Bloor is also eagerly anticipating the festival this year. “To me, our literary festival line up shows a real understanding of the audience, the mind-blowing breadth of our interests, and our vision for the future.”
The final thought comes from the festival curator, Carole Winter: “My hope is that our festival will unite people through kindness and curiosity, creating new friendships and deepening community connections. By coming together, we can tackle issues like loneliness, isolation, climate change, and foster a strong sense of pride in our place.”
For more information visit
www.twlitfest.co.uk
