Join Chiddingstone Castle for a small but spectacular line up for this summer’s Literary Fringe, with a series of live, in-person events taking place during July, August and September 2021.
Join us in the Castle gardens for our small but spectacular line up for this summer’s Chiddingstone Castle Literary Fringe!
We are thrilled to bring you a series of live, in-person events taking place during July, August and September 2021. We are holding a number of author talks during the afternoon and early evening in Chiddingstone Castle’s grounds, in line with the current COVID guidelines. These will take place at the Castle’s Orangery; a stunning loggia set amidst sprawling lawns, pretty gardens and woodland, with drinks and canapés, al fresco picnicking in the grounds and a chance to meet the authors during the book signings.
Tickets will be limited to meet social distancing requirements.
Anne Sebba - Ethel Rosenberg; A Cold War Tragedy (5.00-6.00pm)
On 19th June 1953, Ethel Rosenberg became the first woman in the US to be executed for a crime other than murder. In an illustrated talk, Anne Sebba lays bare the catastrophic failure of humanity and justice which resulted in the ‘trial of the century’.
Hugo Vickers and Simon Heffer – The Diaries of Henry ‘Chips’ Channon and Cecil Beaton (7.00-8.00pm)
Hugo Vickers reveals how he entered society photographer Cecil Beaton’s world of royalty, aristocrats and film stars, whilst Simon Heffer exposes a host of society icons under the gaze of Henry ‘Chips’ Channon in the 1920s and 30s. Chaired by James Lee, with readings by actor Geoffrey Streatfeild.
Amanda Owen, the Yorkshire Shepherdess - Tales from the Farm (5.00-6.00pm)
Amanda Owen rose to fame in Channel 5’s Our Yorkshire Farm, but her roots were in urban Huddersfield. Discover what lured her into living the country life in Swaledale and hear how she combines life on the farm with raising nine children, filming and writing.
Ben MacIntyre - Agent Sonya; Lover, Mother, Soldier, Spy (7.00-8.00pm)
Hear bestselling author Ben MacIntyre on the remarkable true story of WW2’s most extraordinary spy; how Ursula Kuczynski Burton combined rural motherhood with being a spymaster, saboteur, bomb-maker and secret agent.
Natalie Haynes - Pandora’s Jar; Women in the Greek Myths (5.00-6.00pm)
A brilliant classicist as well as a stand-up comedian, Natalie Haynes takes the women of Greek myths - who are sidelined, vilified, misunderstood or ignored - and puts them centre stage, in a witty and entertaining talk.
Martin Gayford - Spring Cannot be Cancelled; David Hockney in Normandy (7.00-8.00pm)
Art critic Martin Gayford presents an illustrated talk based on Hockney’s latest paintings (currently exhibiting at the Royal Academy) and a wealth of new conversations and correspondence with Hockney, his long-time friend and collaborator.
Sebastian Faulks - Snow Country (2.00-3.00pm)
Sebastian Faulks talks to Cathy Rentzenbrink on the very day his new novel is published. Sweeping across Europe as it recovers from one war and hides its face from the next, Snow Country is a landmark novel of exquisite yearnings, dreams of youth and the sanctity of hope.
Deborah Moggach - The Black Dress (4.00-5.00pm)
Bestselling author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Deborah Moggach unveils her new, beautifully observed, darkly funny, tender and surprising novel. The Black Dress is about life changes and the unexpected twists and pleasures of being alone.
Drinks and mini sandwiches will be served at our evening events, with teas, coffee, cakes and ice-creams available at our afternoon event. Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the grounds before or after the events, and meet the authors during the book signings. Tickets will be limited to meet social distancing requirements.
Address
Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival Fringe
The Orangery
Chiddingstone Castle
Hill Hoath Road
Edenbridge, Kent
TN8 7AD
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