Amongst Friday’s line-up, be sure to see crime novelist, Mark Billingham in conversation at The Old Church (7.30pm.) His ‘Crime Confidential’ show, will see the writer talk about themes ranging from his new book – Time of Death, to discussing his work that has been turned into successful TV dramas. Screenwriter, Simon Booker, will also be giving the lowdown on a subject which is both fascinating and intriguing.
On Saturday, William Patten School will host all-day events for kids – Phoenix Fest (age 7 upwards) to be involved in, including at 10.30am, a Spinning Stories With The Gruffalo event. The work of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler come to the fore as readings are given on their work and you might even see The Gruffalo yourself if you’re lucky.
Later on in the day, join sports journalist, Anna Kessel, at the Unitarian Chapel (11am) to discuss what it means for sports women in what was once a male dominated world in certain sports. Also at the Chapel (17.00,) catch Sonic Youth member, Thurston Moore, talk to novelist Juliet Jacques and transgender columnist Rhyannon Styles, all things radical publishing, including Moore’s new project.
At 7pm, at The Old Church, musician, Bob Stanley of St Etienne talks to writer Harriet Vyner about London in the 1960s and her friendship with Robert Fraser, an art dealer, who introduced artist Andy Warhol, to the hedonistic sights of the Capital.
Why not finish day two of the festival in the company of comedians Sara Pascoe and Robin Ince at the Town Hall from 8pm. Pascoe will also be signing copies of her new book – Animal: The Autobiography of a Female Body.
Start Sunday at the festival with an event about the hottest new writers for 2016. Let journalist, Alex Clark guide you through Rising Stars at the Library Gallery (from 12pm.) The literary critic for The Guardian and Observer will present some new faces who hope to make a major impact on the writing scene for the year.
An hour later at the Town Hall, journalist and author, Owen Jones presents The Politics of Hope (1pm.) The writer of Chavs and The Establishment talks about the gaps in society and how it can be be fixed by building societies.
Also at the Town Hall at 4pm join novelist Jonathan Coe talking to Alex Clark. The comedy writer who gave us ‘What a Carve up’ and ‘The Rotters Club,’ will dissect the political issues of the moment as well as discuss his new novel ‘Number 11,’ to do with comedy and politics, bankers and food banks.
Brix Smith-Star brings a bit of punk to the festival at 4pm at The Old Church. Her memoir, The Rise, The Fall and The Rise, talks about her career from early days of growing up in the surroundings of the Hollywood Hills to Manchester in the 1980s. In conversation with Anita Sethi, the musician talks about her time in The Fall to becoming a fashion expert.
Why not finish the festival on Sunday night at the Town Hall at 6pm. Here, you can find novelist, David Mitchell talk about his past books Cloud Atlas and Bone Clocks and his career to date. As well as talk about his latest work, Slade House, that began in the world of social media.
The festival is a non-profit organisation that that supports local libraries with huge support for adult and children literary projects in and around Hackney.
For the full programme and ticket details go to: stokenewingtonliteraryfestival.com/the-programme/
