Top speakers lined up for new Heywood House literary festival

Sunday Times and New York Times bestsellers in Psychotherapy, Journalism and History, a Booker Prize judge and one of the UK’s top satirists are coming to Heywood House Talks Literary Festival in Westbury. 

The event - Heywood House Talks Literary Festival: Discover the Future - will run over two days on Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8 inside the historic Jacobean hall at Heywood House near Westbury.

Each day offers a unique program, with Saturday focusing on contemporary issues and Sunday delving into historical and cultural discussions.

Tim Marshall, author of the Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller, Prisoners of Geography, and former diplomatic and foreign affairs editor at Sky News, will kick off the festival on Saturday with a talk about his latest book, The Future of Geography. 

The day's event will be hosted Hannah Macinnes. a seasoned interviewer and moderator known for her work with the How To Academy and Times Radio.

Saturday's line-up of speakers at the Heywood House Literary Festival. (Image: Heywood House Literary Festival)

Mr  Marshall, a renowned author and geopolitical expert, will delve into the shifting dynamics of space politics and its implications for our world.

Joining him on Saturday will be Sarah Churchwell, who is one of the leading voices on American Politics and is in high demand with her insights into the future of America.

What happens if Donald Trump wins? What if he doesn’t? How will American politics effect the UK and Europe in the near future? Sarah will answer these questions and more with event host Hannah Macinnes.

Rosie Holt, a British actor, comedian, and satirist, famous for her viral political satire videos will also be present. Holt's sharp wit and keen observations have made her a prominent voice in contemporary political commentary.

The line-up of speakers for Sunday at the Heywood House Literary Festival. (Image: Westbury Town Council)

Sunday will feature a diverse range of speakers, including Dan Jones, who will be kicking off his new book tour, Henry V: England’s Greatest Warrior King. This will be the first chance to buy the book.

A popular historian and author known for his bestselling books on the Plantagenets, the Templars, and the Middle Ages, Mr Jones is also a well-known TV presenter and journalist.

Dr Sue Stuart-Smith, a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author of The Well-Gardened Mind, will be in conversation with Clare Asquith, an independent scholar and author of Shadowplay: The Hidden Beliefs and Coded Politics of William Shakespeare. 

Dr Stuart-Smith’s work explores the therapeutic benefits of gardening and its impact on mental health, while Clare Asquith's research focuses on the hidden Catholic themes in Shakespeare's works.

Clare will also be hosting her own talk on Shakespeare and the part he played in Tudor Resistance to the monarchy.

Chris Blackhurst, an award-winning writer and former editor of The Independent, will be talking about his book, Manchester United, the world’s biggest cash cow.

Mr Blackhurst has extensive experience in journalism and strategic communications, and his insights into the media landscape are highly regarded.

A spokesperson for the organisers, Captain Events, said: “Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading thinkers and authors in a beautiful historic setting. Tickets are available now, and early booking is recommended to secure your place at this exclusive event.”

Saturday’s day ticket will also include a two-course lunch while Sunday will be four individual tickets at £12.50 and food traders from around the world creating a real festival atmosphere.

Book signings will be run on both days by Hunting Raven Books of Frome, who are handling ticket sales for the festival.

You can book at their shop in Cheap Street, Frome, or call 07508 961383, or book online at heywoodhousetalks.co.uk.