The Stratford Literary Festival, an annual event that celebrates literature, culture and education, has announced its headliners for 2023. The festival, which will take place from October 27 to October 29 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford, will feature broadcasters and authors Clive Myrie and Clare Balding, as well as actor Timothy West.
Clive Myrie is a newsreader and journalist who has worked for the BBC for over 30 years. He has covered major events such as the Iraq War, the Haiti earthquake, and the US elections. He has also written a memoir called One of Them: An Eton College Memoir (Simon & Schuster), which recounts his experience as a black scholarship student at the prestigious school. He will talk about his life and career, as well as the issues of race, class, and privilege in Britain.
Clare Balding is a sports presenter and writer who has hosted events such as the Olympics, the Paralympics, and the Commonwealth Games. She has also written several books, such as My Animals and Other Family (Penguin), Walking Home: Great British Adventures…and Other Rambles (Penguin), and Heroic Animals: 100 Amazing Creatures Great and Small (John Murray). She will share her stories, insights, and opinions on sports, animals, and adventure.
Timothy West is a veteran actor who has appeared in numerous stage and screen productions, such as King Lear, The Day of the Jackal, and EastEnders. He has also written several books, such as A Moment Towards the End of the Play (Nick Hern Books), So You Want to Be an Actor? (Nick Hern Books), and Our Time of Day: My Life with Corin Redgrave (Constable). He will discuss his acting career, his personal life, and his love for literature.
The festival will also have some events outside of the festival dates, such as Sir Michael Morpurgo on October 20 and Julia Donaldson on November 12. The festival director, Annie Ashworth, said: “We are delighted to welcome such a fantastic line-up of speakers to our festival this year. We have something for everyone, from crime and thriller fans to history and poetry lovers. We hope to inspire and entertain our audience with our diverse and exciting programme.”
The festival tickets are on sale now online and at the box office.
