DIRECTOR Jane Furze
FESTIVAL ASSISTANT Hannah Evans
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Sarah Smyth
FESTIVAL INTERNS Lizzie Atkinson, Jen Liggins
BOOK IT! DIRECTOR Jane Churchill
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Suzy Hillier
FESTIVAL MANAGERS Charles Haynes, Nicola Tuxworth
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Claire Coleman
FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATOR Rose Stuart
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Alison West
Welcome What words will you use to describe your Festival experience? Whether it’s Jazz, Science, Music or Literature, a Cheltenham Festival experience can be intellectually challenging, educational, fun, surprising, frustrating, shocking, transformational, inspiring, comical, beautiful, odd, even life-changing. And this year’s The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival is no different. As you will see when you browse this brochure, the Festival promises 10 days of discussion, debate and interview, plus lots of new ways to experience and engage with words and ideas. It’s a true celebration of the power of the word - with old friends, new writers, commentators, celebrities, sports people and scientists, and from children’s authors, illustrators, comedians and politicians to leading opinion-formers. I can’t praise the team enough for their exceptional dedication and flair in curating this year’s inspiring programme. However, there would be no Festival without the wonderful enthusiasm of our partners and loyal audiences and we are extremely grateful for all the support we receive. Whatever words you use to describe your experience at a Cheltenham Festival, I would like to ask for your help to ensure that you will still be using those words in the future. Only 40% of our income comes from ticket sales. Please show your support for Cheltenham Festivals by making a donation when you buy your tickets so that we can continue to curate inspiring programmes of a high standard, offer free events and continue our work with schools and families. As a cultural organisation, Cheltenham Festivals has charitable status, so if you are a UK tax-payer, don’t forget to tick the Gift Aid box so that we can claim Gift Aid on your donation which is worth another 25% to the Festivals. I love the excitement of seeing the brochure for the first time, and then sitting down to make my event choices. I’m sure many of you do too. Turn the page and enjoy! I look forward to seeing you at the Festival in October. Donna Renney, Chief Executive
CONTENTS 2012 NEWS
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What’s happening at this year’s Festival
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
10 - 89
BOOK IT!
91 - 101
Your day by day guide to events Our Festival for families and young readers
WRITE AWAY
104 - 105
FESTIVAL GUIDE
108 – 110
Creative workshop programme
Your guide to the Festival site and buying tickets EVEN MORE FESTIVAL NEWS FEATURES AND INFO ONLINE... cheltenhamfestivals.com cheltenhamfestivals.com/subscribe facebook.com/cheltenhamfestivals @cheltfestivals #cheltlitfest
Box Office 0844 880 8094 cheltenhamfestivals.com/tickets
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