The third Derby Book Festival will return 1 - 9 June 2018.
2018 is a landmark year of political and social change, of debates and campaigns, of inclusion and challenging the status quo. The Derby Book Festival programme reflects the multitude of voices we’re hearing this year.
At the heart of the programme lies the very best in contemporary literature. From the international
bestsellers: Kate Mosse, Lionel Shriver and Louis de Bernières to some of the most lauded new debut authors.
Opening with two political heavyweights, Ken Clarke and Alan Johnson, our political strand is more timely than ever. Ranging from Sarah Churchwell discussing the state of America to Christine Burns on the history of the Trans movement in Britain. Derby Book Festival also present their ‘Feminist Friday’, which hosts a spectrum of dynamic and often oppositional voices, from Helen Pankhurst to a panel of some of the key young feminist writers of today.
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Here's a peek of what's on;
Debut Author - Jo Jakeman - 1 June
Festivals, Talks
Jo Jakeman, this year’s debut author, is home grown Derby talent. As one of our volunteers she was inspired by Joanna Cannon, whose wr... read more
Ken Clarke in conversation with Alan Johnson - 1 June
Festivals, Talks
Between them, Ken Clarke and Alan Johnson have over 60 years’ experience as MPs. On opposite sides of the political divide, they have ... read more
Joanna Cannon – Three Things about Elsie - 1 June
Festivals, Talks
Joanna Cannon’s debut novel, The Trouble with Goats and Sheep, was the best-selling debut novel in paperback in 2017.... read more
A Sunday Times bestseller championed by Alan Bennett, this charming, gorgeously illustrated book shows the domestic cow in an entirely diffe... read more
Stephen McGann: Flesh and Blood - 2 June
Festivals, Talks
The acclaimed actor and brilliant storyteller Stephen McGann currently stars in the BBC phenomenon Call the Midwife.... read more
Celebrating the Harry Potter Books with Fleurble Laffalot - 2 June
Family Fun, Festivals
Are you a fantastically beastly fan of the Harry Potter books? Join Fleurble Laffalot for a family friendly journey through JK Rowling&rsquo... read more
Join us for a spellbinding - and spell making - day of magical activities with a special Celebrating Harry Potter Books event, plus crafts, ... read more
The Adventures of Andy Kershaw - 2 June
Festivals, Talks
An evening with the legendary broadcaster and foreign correspondent.... read more
Paddington’s Adventure: Museum Sleepover - 2 June
Don't Miss, Family Fun, Festivals
Join us for a world tour around the Museum and Art Gallery with our friend, Paddington Bear.... read more
James Hamilton on Gainsborough - 2 June
Festivals, Talks
Thomas Gainsborough lived as if electricity shot through his sinews and crackled at his finger ends. James Hamilton reveals Gainsborough in ... read more
The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock - 2 June
Festivals, Talks
Picked as a ‘Most Anticipated Book Of 2018’ by The Observer, The Sunday Times and Vogue, Imogen Hermes Gowar’s spellbindin... read more
Festivals, Talks
One of the most acclaimed authors of our age, the ever provocative Lionel Shriver will join us to discuss her extraordinary short story coll... read more
Three experts in crime writing share their secrets about how they devise their plots, find their locations and make sure they understand and... read more
Festivals, Talks
Roy Hattersley, former MP and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party will be in conversation with Professor Kath Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the... read more
Kate Mosse - The Burning Chambers - 3 June
Festivals, Talks
International bestselling author Kate Mosse refuses to be categorised, writing award-winning fiction, non-fiction and plays. Working across ... read more
Festivals, Talks
Terry Waite is an English humanitarian and author. In Solitude, his multi-layered and fascinating new book, Waite travels around the world t... read more
Sunday Takeover at Déda - 3 June
Festivals
Derby Book Festival takes over Déda! Join us for a Sunday of lively debate, author talks and arts events on issues ranging from disab... read more
The Festival Book Quiz returns … but in a new venue and at a new time! This year we will be in the inspiring, creative space at the ... read more
An audience with Rob Andrew MBE - 4 June
Festivals, Talks
Ex-England and British Lions rugby star Rob Andrew MBE will be chatting about his new autobiography and taking part in a Q&A at The 3aaa... read more
Professor Robert Winston - 5 June
Festivals, Talks
Robert Winston, one of the most instantly recognisable scientists in the country is a compelling speaker, bringing complex issues to life w... read more
Be transported back to your childhood with food writer and cook Kate Young, who took the inspiration for her food blog, The Little Library C... read more
FORMAT PhotoForum: Mark Neville - 5 June
Festivals, Talks
Mark Neville’s Battle Against Stigma project aims to challenge the stigma of mental health problems in the military and to encourage a... read more
Festivals, Food & Drink, Talks
The Countess of Burlington’s book, House Style: Five Centuries of Fashion at Chatsworth, celebrates this heritage in all its splendid ... read more
The Curious World of Samuel Pepys & John Evelyn - 6 June
Festivals, Talks
Pepys and Evelyn are two pivotal Restoration figures and the most celebrated English diarists.... read more
This event is brought to you by Derby Book Festival in partnership with Lunar 21.... read more
Alison Weir: Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen - 6 June
Festivals, Talks
Only 11 days after the bloody death of the Queen, a young woman is dressing for her wedding to the King. She knows she must bear a son - or ... read more
Behold America - Sarah Churchwell - 6 June
Festivals, Talks
What does America stand for in the twenty-first century?... read more
Festivals, Talks
Mark Beaumont has become a household name through his documentaries about ultra endurance and adventure.... read more
Agudo Dance Company: Silk Road - 7 June
Dance, Festivals
Silk Road is a universal and personal story of East meets West in the 21st century. In collaboration with the renowned classical Indian danc... read more
The Bookshop Band with Louis de Bernières and Joanne Harris - 7 June
Festivals, Music
A vibrant evening of books, music and lively author talks. Sure to be one of the highlights of Derby Book Festival 2018, the night pairs the... read more
Festivals, Food & Drink, Talks
Towards the end of the 19th century and for the first few years of the 20th century, a strange invasion took place in Britain. The incomers ... read more
Festivals, Talks
Women for life on earth: the inevitability of ecofeminism.... read more
Helen Pankhurst - Deeds not Words - 8 June
Festivals, Talks
Helen Pankhurst will be leading a participatory discussion on women’s lives, reflecting on the changes in the UK since the right to a ... read more
Laura Wall: Happy Birthday Goose - 8 June
Festivals, Talks
Join award-winning, worldwide published author and artist Laura Wall to celebrate popular pre-school book character Goose's 5th birthday.... read more
Lost and Found: Mischief and Mystery in Moominvalley - 9 June
Family Fun, Festivals
Discover the world of the Moomins where anything is possible. Be sure to pack your imagination and join us on an unforgettable journey to Mo... read more
Festivals
When cub reporter Lesley is sent to Venice to interview a world-renowned violinist, the journalist is told she can ask Paolo Levi anything a... read more
Lucy Mangan: Bookworm: A Memoir of Childhood Reading - 9 June
Festivals, Talks
When Lucy Mangan was little, stories were everything. They opened up new worlds and helped her understand her own.... read more
Festivals, Talks
One of Britain's most prolific and popular authors, Dame Margaret Drabble, was born in Sheffield and went on to read English at Newnham Coll... read more
Being David Archer - Tim Bentinck - 9 June
Festivals, Talks
The Archers is the world’s longest running drama series with five million loyal listeners and a theme tune that Billy Connolly wants t... read more
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