We’re thrilled to announce further authors and events for the festival this October.
Join us for compelling insights from journalist and broadcaster Gabriel Gatehouse, exploring the weaponisation of conspiracy theories and enjoy an evening of wit and humour with beloved comedian, Helen Lederer. We’ll also be hosting Churchgoing with Andrew Ziminski and a creative ‘Storytelling with Debutots’ session, both hosted within the beautiful surroundings of Cuckfield’s Holy Trinity Church.
And don’t miss our recent virtual book club discussion with Ellen Alpsten, now available to watch online – perfect for catching up if you missed the live session or want to revisit the conversation.
Read on to find out more!
NOT THAT I’M BITTER – HELEN LEDERER
SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER
Not That I’m Bitter tells the story of Helen’s journey from being what her mother called a ‘show-off’ to becoming a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of Alternative Comedy. Her memoir is a mix of joy, sadness, hilarity and startling self-revelation – woven together with a witty narrative that delivers real punch.
The child of a Czech wartime refugee, Helen was never part of the mainstream. Her memoir is bursting with big laughs and poignant moments.
‘This wildly entertaining ride through Helen’s fabulous life is funny, adorable, and thought-provoking in equal measure, rather like the dazzling author herself.’ Joanna Lumley
Helen will be in conversation with Steven Gale who will encourage her to reveal stories of comedy in the eighties.
THE COMING STORM – GABRIEL GATEHOUSE
SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER
Photo credit: Jeff Overs
The Coming Storm is Gabriel Gatehouse’s exploration of how conspiracy theories became weaponised and used as wrecking balls to the liberal world order. As Donald Trump lays siege to the institutions of the American state, Gatehouse traces the roots of a radical new political movement.
From the early years of the Clinton administration to the 6 January storming of the US Capitol and beyond, The Coming Storm reveals a loose alliance of tech bros, internet trolls and white supremacists preparing the ground for a period of epochal change. Democracy is becoming a thing of the past.
Gabriel Gatehouse is a journalist and broadcaster and the former international editor of Newsnight.
He will be in conversation with Alan Judd, well known to Cuckfield Bookfest audiences and a writer of spy thrillers – his most recent is No. 2 Whitehall Court.
CHURCHGOING – ANDREW ZIMINSKI
SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER
Churches are many things to us – they are places of worship, vibrant community hubs and oases of calm reflection. To know a church is to hold a key to the past that unlocks an understanding of our shared history.
Andrew Ziminski has spent decades as a stonemason and church conservator, acting as an informal guide to curious visitors. Church Going is his handbook to the medieval churches of the British Isles, in which he reveals their fascinating histories, features and furnishings, from flying buttresses to rood screens, lichgates to chancels.
Beautifully written and richly illustrated, this book is a celebration of Britain’s most important and iconic buildings and the historic Holy Trinity Church is the perfect place for this session.
STORY-TELLING WITH DEBUTOTS – EMMA KELLY
SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER
Bring your little ones to the church for a lively, story-themed session with Debutots performer, Emma Kelly who uses story to spark connection and curiosity.
Debutots is all about stories, along with dramatic play, music, games and wrap-around sensory activities helping children exercise their imaginations, develop their confidence, problem solve and, above all, do all this while having lots of fun!
VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB
If you missed our Virtual Book Club with bestselling author Ellen Alpsten on 17 June, you can now watch the recording.
Discussing her last novel The Last Princess, a stunning re-telling of 1066 from the perspective of Harold’s daughter, Gytha Godwinson, and her upcoming book The Sunrise Queen due for publication in September. We talk about her life as an author, her research into this period of time and her writing methodology.
WATCH on YOUTUBE (https://youtu.be/lHyidT9bNfc)
You can see how events are shaping up on our website and keep up to date on all the latest news on social media.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you soon!