Take a look here at all of the events available for Guildford Book Festival (GBF) on Friday 17 October! For a comprehensive round up of all the events over the course of the week, please click HERE.
David Howell: Old Links and New Ties
The Refectory, Guildford Cathedral, 8am, £15 Surrey Chambers Members, £13 Non members
In this engaging and provocative new book, former FCO Minister, Lord Howell argues that, in a digitally networked world, Britain’s links throughout the Commonwealth need to be re-energised for economic growth. Presented in conjunction with Surrey Chambers of Commerce.
Matthew Parker: Goldeneye
The Electric Theatre, 12pm, £6, £5 Concessions & Under 16
Goldeneye was the house Ian Fleming built overlooking a small white sand beach on the north coast of Jamaica, where all the James Bond novels were written. Travel with Matthew Parker to the island that gave birth to 007, as he reveals how Fleming’s books were influenced by the exotic spirit of Jamaica and his hedonistic life-style amongst the jet-set.
Spying Seduction: Elizabeth Buchan & Jane Thynne
The Electric Theatre, 2pm, £6, £5 Concessions & Under 16
Pull up a chair and get a taste of spying, seduction and survival in conversation with Jane Thynne and Elizabeth Buchan. Hosted by Woman & Home’s books editor Fanny Blake, the authors discuss the fascinating world of female espionage in World War II and the real life stories of secret agents and Nazi wives which inspired their latest books.
Hannah Ellis: Dylan Thomas: A Centenary Celebration
The Mill Studio, 2pm, £6, £5 Concessions & Under 16
Dylan Thomas: A Centenary Celebration is a collection of specially commissioned essays celebrating the poet’s life and work, and exploring his lasting legacy. Join us in welcoming to Guildford Thomas’ granddaughter, Hannah Ellis, who has edited contributions from Dylan’s biographers and a range of admirers including Philip Pullman, Cerys Matthews, Michael Sheen and Welsh poet laureate Gillian Clark.
Ben Collins: How To Drive
The Electric Theatre, 7pm, £8, £7 Concessions, £6 Under 16
Welcome to the next chapter in your driving education! How To Drive is the ultimate guide from Ben Collins, the man who was the Stig in BBC TV’s Top Gear. Let Ben Collins share with you his expert skills and wisdom from thousands of hours of elite-level performance to help you drive like a professional.
Laura Bates: Everyday Sexism
Radisson Blu Edwardian, 7pm, £6, £5 Concessions & Under 16
Laura Bates offers a bold, jaunty and ground-breaking examination of sexism in modern society. Find out how women are standing up and shouting back, as you listen to a wealth of shocking, amusing and poignant anecdotes from the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, one of the biggest social media success stories of recent times.
The Canterbury Tales: From Chivalry to Flatulence
St Mary’s Church, , 7.30pm, £4
Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales are considered to be the earliest example of English Literature written in the English vernacular. Ahead of Guildford Shakespeare Company’s premiere of a brand new stage version (23 October-8 November), the company’s co-founder and actor Matt Pinches discusses the life of Chaucer and considers why the Tales continue to be so popular 700 years after they were written.
Richard Coles: Fathomless Riches
Radisson Blu Edwardian, 8.30pm, £6, £5 Concessions & Under 16
The Reverend Richard Coles offers honest and lighthearted insights into his diverse life as a parish priest, former rock- star with The Communards and popular presenter of Radio 4’s Saturday Live in his memoir Fathomless Riches. Hear this real-life Rev’s witty and humorous account of the drama that accompanies his many roles. Unmissable!
Kate Mosse: The Taxidermist’s Daughter
The Electric Theatre, 8.30pm, £8, £7 Concessions, £6 Under 16
A powerful storyteller with an abundant imagination, Kate Mosse introduces her haunting and atmospheric new novel, The Taxidermist’s Daughter. Sit on the edge of your seat as one of Britain’s most successful authors reveals how a childhood visit to a Museum of Curiosities inspired this gothic, psychological thriller.