Beckenham Book Fest draws big names from the world of literature
By Regina Motalib
South London writers are among the list of celebrated and award winning authors appearing at this year’s Books in The Park Festival, taking place at Beckenham Place Park on Saturday the 26th April.
South Londoners, Louise Hare, Annie Lyons and Amelia Kyazze will join a host of other authors at the literature festival. Sunday Times bestseller Chloe Dalton and Kaliane Bradley, whose smash-hit novel ‘The Ministry of Time’ was one of the most-talked about debuts of 2024 – will also be appearing.
The festival will feature a Food and Farmers Market, a sewing school, nature walks led by Wild South London and a pop-up book store by local independent store, Beckenham Bookshop. Author and cheesemonger, Ned Palmer will host a special treat for foodies; a French cheese-tasting for his book ‘The Cheesemonger’s Tour de France.’
Festival director, Frances Fuller explained, the annual festival was founded last year by a group of community gardeners. She said: “We wanted to combine our love of books with our love of nature and felt that Beckenham Place Park was the perfect setting for a book festival. So we’re back with another exciting programme of adult and children’s authors and stimulating writing workshops.”
Francis hopes this year’s festival will be “bigger and better.” She added: “We’re bringing together an incredible lineup that should inspire readers and aspiring writers of all ages. Whether you’re a keen book lover, just discovering the magic of storytelling, or want a fun day out with the family, we invite you to join us for a day of creativity, discovery and community.”
There will also be an exciting schedule of events for younger book lovers. Children can look forward to a story-time session for 0-5 year olds with Mariesa Dulak, author of There’s a Tiger on the Train.
Writer and illustrator Allison Parkinson, will run a fun and interactive storycrafting workshop for children and Joséphine Seblon and Robert Sae-Hung will take young readers on a Mini Architects journey of mythical labyrinths and ancient buildings.
Award winning Young Adult fantasy author, Abiola Bello will share writing tips in a special Young Adult Writing Workshop.
There will also be a plethora of activities for aspiring writers such as poetry, flash fiction and fiction writing workshops.
Lily Raven, 9, a young book fan who can’t wait for the festival, shared her excitement. She said: “I love reading about almost everything. Books make me happy and take me into a world of my own.”
Tickets for the book fest can be purchased at Ticket Source: www.ticketsource.co.uk/books-in-the-park
More information can be found at the festival’s website. www.booksinthepark.org
Pictured top: Festival Director Francis Fuller with nine-year-old Lily Raven (Picture: Regina Motalib)
