One of the most star-studded line-ups ever has just been announced for the 2019 Cheltenham Literature Festival, marking the world class event’s 70th anniversary.
More than 800 of the best writers, thinkers and performers will be taking part in the Cheltenham Literature Festival, from Friday 4 to Sunday 13 October 2019.
And while some of the big names had already been revealed by Cheltenham Festivals, the full line-up has now been confirmed.
Events expected to sell-out first include Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry, discussing her first memoir FACE IT; the former Prime Minister David Cameron, who will be talking Brexit for the first time since his resignation; Status Quo icon Francis Rossi will be rockin’ all over Cheltenham, talking about his autobiography I Talk Too Much; while much-loved documentary maker Louis Theroux will be on the bill, sharing some of his strangest times in television.
There’s also the chance to see legendary British screenwriter and director Richard Curtis, as well as the Oscar-winning screenwriter, director and LGBT rights activist Dustin Lance Black; screen icon Helena Bonham Carter, who will be discussing her exceptional acting career; and Poirot himself, David Suchet! While Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes will also be talking about the highly-anticipated film, which will be in UK cinemas from September 2019.
Expect much hilarity from a range of comedians at Cheltenham Literature Festival including Richard Ayoade in an event sponsored by SoGlos; Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer, who will be talking friendship and fishing; other big comedy names such as David Mitchell, Paul Merton, Dom Joly and Katy Brand; as well as Gloucestershire small screen superstars Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper, who will discuss the BAFTA-winning success of This Country.
Gloucester’s very own celebrity chef Tom Kerridge will be returning to Cheltenham Lit Fest too; with Queer Eye meets Bake Off with Tan France and Nadiya Hussain discussing their upbringings.
David Nicholls returns to Cheltenham to introduce his anticipated new novel Sweet Sorrow, alongside other literary greats including Ali Smith, Max Porter, Ian McEwan, Philippa Gregory, Celeste Ng, Jung Chang, new Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, and much lauded Bang Said The Gun and Tongue Fu.
Other names to look out for at the Lit Fest 2019 include WHAM’s Andrew Ridgeley; adventurer Ben Fogle; Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis, veteran Radio 4 presenter John Humphreys, one of world’s most renowned scientists, Richard Dawkins, and cricketing hero Alastair Cook.
The packed Family programme, meanwhile, includes the legendary Malorie Blackman, presenter Dermot O’Leary and illustrator Nick East with the latest escapades of Toto the Ninja Cat, and some horrendously horrid fun with Francesca Simon, as well as Cressida Cowell, Danny Wallace, Dougie Poynter, Konnie Huq; and Oi Puppies! duo Kes Gray and Jim Field. With special characters around the Lit Fest including Kipper, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Elmer, as well as the 30th anniversary of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt with Michael Rosen.
Ticket bookings for Cheltenham Festivals members opens from 10am on Wednesday 28 August 2019, before general booking opens at 10am on Wednesday 4 September 2019.
For more information see Cheltenham Literature Festival or visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature directly.
