Word Fest – Coming to Blackpool!

Word Fest is a new literature and spoken word festival. This year featuring Michael Morpurgo in War Horse The Concert, Lenny Henry, Anton Du Beke and Paul O’Grady amongst others. It also feature podcasts. Experience an exclusive live edition of The Rest Is Politics Live with Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart. Currently the UK’s no1 podcast.

Word Fest – Coming to Blackpool!

The organisers of Word Fest have put together a packed line-up with a host of celebrity authors. The first Word Fest takes place from Friday 7 to Monday 10 October 2022 at Winter Gardens Blackpool.

A trio of ‘in conservation with’ events will welcome Lenny Henry, Paul O’Grady and Anton Du Beke. They’ll chat to fans about their new books and their love of writing.

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Sir Lenny Henry

Lenny Henry’s new book ‘Rising to the Surface’ traces his career through the eighties and nineties. From a young sixteen year old winning a talent competition and his navigation through the seas of professional comedy. How he learned his craft through sheer graft and hard work. In Conversation with Lenny Henry is on Sunday 9 October at 8pm. All tickets include a signed copy of Rising to the Surface and a meet and greet.

You’ll also get the opportunity to meet Lenny Henry in person. He’s signing copies of his two children’s novels The Boy With Wings and The Book Of Legends on Sunday 9 October. It’s a once in a lifetime free event.

Paul O’Grady

Paul O’Grady will be talking about his children’s book ‘Eddie Albert & the Amazing Animal Gang’. It tells the story of 10 year old Eddie who can talk to animals and is dispatched to stay with his eccentric aunt in Amsterdam. The tale is packed full of friendship, animals, action and of course a wicked sense of humour. In Conversation with Paul O’Grady is on Sunday 9 October at 4pm. All tickets include a signed copy of the latest in the Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang series. The Curse of the Smuggler’s Treasure (RRP £12.99, HarperCollins Children’s Books).

Anton Du Beke

A firm Blackpool favourite and Sunday Times Bestselling Author, Anton Du Beke will be previewing his new book. Released on 13 October 2022, it’s a stunning tale of dance during the blitz. Centred around the Buckingham Hotel in London, it’s the story of Raymond de Guise. He’s on leave from Dunkirk and struggling to find his place in the world. In Conversation with Anton Du Beke takes place on Monday 10 October at 8pm. All tickets include a signed copy of The Ballroom Blitz and a meet and greet.

The line-up for Word Fest

These new events add to the programme already announced for Word Fest. Including Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE presenting War Horse Live in Concert. War Horse will be joined by other events with bestselling authors Milly Johnson, Saul David and Scott Mitchell.

A very special Seasiders Podcast will also take place live at 8pm on Saturday 8 October. Including special guest, former Blackpool legend Gary Taylor-Fletcher. He’s joining the Seasiders’ podcast team to talk all things Tangerine, past, present and future.  Anecdotes and Timisms guaranteed!

The Seasiders Podcast is the second live podcast event scheduled for the weekend. Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell will host a live version of their podcast ‘The Rest is Politics’.   

There’s full information about each of the shows at this link

The Rest Is Politics Live!

Word Fest also present a very special appearance of Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell. Experience a live edition of ‘The Rest is Politics’ on Saturday 8th October.

They’re two men who’ve been at the heart of the political world. Former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet minister Rory Stewart. They join forces from across the political divide for The Rest Is Politics. It lifts the lid on the secrets of Westminster, offering an insider’s view on politics at home and abroad. Also bringing back the lost art of disagreeing agreeably!

Literary Collaboration

The Festival is being co-produced by the Winter Gardens Blackpool and local independent bookstore Book Bean & Ice Cream. It’s a fabulous chance to see celebrated authors talk about their love of writing and their books. They’ll also answer questions and sign books for fans.

Elaine Silverwood is owner of Book Bean & Ice Cream and co-producer of Word Fest. She said “It’s the first ever Word Fest and ticket sales have got off to a flying start. And it’s the first new literary festival to be held in the north for many years so we’re thrilled at the confirmed line up. We can’t wait to welcome the authors and guests to the Winter Gardens Blackpool for a weekend of words.”

Many of the tickets include the gift of the author’s book and are now on sale here, priced from £20.00