Previous years:
An evening with Steve Smith –author of the comic legal series of which 'Boozers, Ballcocks & Bail' is the first title. 'A great entertainer in the Gervais Phinn mode'
Afternoon talks and activities which celebrate the life of the great novelist whose work has never been out of print followed by a showing of the film 'Becoming Jane' starring Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell and Maggie Smith.
A poetry and music event with the author of 'Captain Corelli’s Mandolin' and Ilone Antonius-Jones. This Link to the Antonius players website opens in a new window
The festival’s first international speaker on his biography of America’s laureate of light verse.
which processed to Mere Library for stories and activities leading on to Ye Great Medieval Banquet.
The well known MP, TV personality and best selling author of 'The Clematis Tree' and other novels, in conversation.
One of Britain’s best known authors and the creator of Inspector Morse talked about crime writing and answered questions from the audience.
The author talked about her book, the story of army wives and daughters
Showcasing the short-listed poems from this year’s competition with an audience
vote to select the Poem in the Pub winners.
Guest Poet: John Weston - Winner of the 2004 Peterloo Open Competition.
Stephanie Cole is one of Britain’s best-loved actresses and the star of many TV plays and series including the classics, 'Waiting for God', 'Tenko' and 'Open All Hours'. Her stage credits include 'Noises Off' and the touring production of 'The Shell Seekers'
An evening with one of the major figures of contemporary British literature.
Best selling novelist Katie Fforde has received high praise from reviewers for her 'delicious' books which include 'Living Dangerously', 'Stately Pursuits', 'Thyme Out' and 'Paradise Fields'. She gave her adjudication of the short-listed stories in this year’s Open Competition, and announced the winners. This Link to Katie Fforde's website opens in a new window.
A Fascinating evening of local history and reminiscences on film, CD and in person presented by rural media charity Trilith and Mere Museum's Oral History Project
Children’s & writers' workshops with Moira Clark.
Presented by Raymond Sergant
This
Link to Ray Sargent's website opens in a new window.
A behind the scenes look at a great national newspapers by its eminent Defence Editor.
An illustrated talk by the local author and historian.
Presented by Tim Laycock - singer, musician & actor.