G E R V A S E P H I N NTHE SCHOOL INSPECTOR CALLS!

Affectionately dubbed ‘the James Herriot of schools’, Gervase Phinn – comedian, author, poet, broadcaster, lecturer,

educational guru, after-dinner speaker and ‘born raconteur’ (Guardian) – talks about his life and work in a light-hearted and

entertaining way.

A N T H O N Y S E L D O NTALKS TO PETER FRANCIS

Gladstone’s Library’s own Peter Francis talks history, politics and happiness with leading contemporary historian Sir Anthony

Seldon, author of Cameron at 10: The Inside Story (2015) and Beyond Happiness (2015) as well as over 40 books on

contemporary history, politics and education.

G U Y C U T H B E R T S O N WILFRED OWEN

How do most of us know the First World War? Through its poetry and the lives of the poets who wrote it. Released to effusive

praise in 2014, Guy Cuthbertson’s Wilfred Owen offers a new perspective on one of Britain’s best-known poets.

S I M O N G R E N N A NCREATING COMICS

A hit last year talking about his graphic novel Dispossession, Simon returns with a practical workshop: an easy and exciting hands-on introduction to visualising and making comics. No existing

drawing skills required: this is about making comics, not Leonardos (although any Leonardos are welcome too)!

F R A N C E S C A H A I GHOW DO YOU KNOW

YOUR NOVEL IS FINISHED?Are you nearing the end of a writing project and wondering

whether it’s as good as you can make it? Keen to send it out to agents and publishers but nervous about letting it go? This relaxed, hands-on session will help you turn a critical eye to your work and

provide tips for sharpening your manuscript.

R I C H A R D H O L L O W A Y A LIT TLE HISTORY OF RELIGION

Back by popular demand, the theologian and former Episcopal Bishop of Edinburgh returns to discuss his latest book with Peter

Francis. A Little History of Religion (2016) is written for those with faith and those without, encouraging curiosity

and an open mind.

A N D R E W T A T E

Contemporary culture has become expert at imagining the downfall of humanity. How do anxieties about environmental destruction inform

the 21st century novel? What does the popularity of dystopian fiction say about our current political situation? Andrew explores a variety of

novels set in alternative ‘ruined futures’.

I A N P A R K S

C.P. Cavafy was one of the most important Greek poets of the 20th century although his work is little known outside that country. Reading

from his forthcoming collection of Cavafy’s poetry, Ian provides an insight into this most fascinating of poets.

M A L C O L M G U I T ESEASONS, SAINTS AND SAYINGS

A reading from Malcolm’s new collection of sonnets, including sequences on the O Antiphons and the Stations of the Cross –

composed here at Gladstone’s Library – and a meditation on Dante inspired by Gladstone’s own approach to the medieval poet.

P E T E R B L A I RFL ASH FICTION NOW (AND THEN)

Flash fiction, or the short-short story, is more popular now than ever. Peter introduces the meteoric rise of the contemporary flash

(typically under 500 words), exploring humorous examples to illuminate how little stories resonate long after their last words.

F R A N C E S C A H A I GTALKS TO LOUISA YATES

Francesca’s The Fire Sermon caused an international stir on its release in 2015. We were privileged to hear the first ever reading

from at Gladfest 2014; in 2016 we welcome Francesca back, talking to Festival Director Louisa Yates about the apocalypse and the

challenges of writing the second novel in the trilogy, The Map of Bones.

V A N E S S A G E B B I EFL ASH WORKSHOP

Short fiction with BIG ideas! Join award-winning novelist, poet and short story writer Vanessa Gebbie for the chance to try your hand at writing flash fiction. Learn to capture ‘a moment in time’ with one of

Britain’s finest flash fiction writers.

S I M O N B R E T TTICKLED TO DEATH

Award-winning crime writer Simon Brett takes a humorous look at his long and varied writing career. With crime, comedy, radio and

television, there’s something for everyone.

S A R A H P E R R YTHE ESSEX SERPENT

It’s the 1890s and something distinctly serpentine is slithering through the Essex marshes, terrifying parishioners and enraging the local vicar. Sarah Perry’s hotly-anticipated second novel wreathes together faith,

science, rationality and passion in a new kind of Victorian story.

V A L M C D E R M I DWHO CARES WHO KILLED

ROGER ACKROYD?Award-winning crime writer and broadcaster Val McDermid

(Splinter the Silence, The Skeleton Road) discusses what draws us to read and write about murder, its motives and its aftermath.

ta l k s w o r k s h o p s

1:00 p m - 2:00 p m

POETRY WORKSHOP: INSPIRED BY REVOLTING RHYMES

Based around the characters in Roald Dahl’s collection of funny poems! We investigate how he describes his characters, and how descriptive words hint at their

personalities. (Ages 5 – 7, parents keep out!)

CHARACTER WORKSHOP: INSPIRED BY FANTASTIC MR FOX

Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of the amazing, the daring, the Fantastic Mr Fox, as we take a look at how Roald Dahl creates and describes his characters.

(Ages 6 – 7, parents keep out!)

L ANGUAGE WORKSHOP: INSPIRED BY THE BFG

Enter the imaginative dream-world of Roald Dahl and unlock your own creativity. Create your own language and you’ll be wizz-popping in no time!

(Ages 7 – 9, parents keep out!)

PRINT WORKSHOP: INSPIRED BY CURIOUS CREATURES

Join printmaker Ruth Thomas to make and print a card collage ‘plate’ using Roald Dahl’s marvellous animals and creatures as inspiration. Read passages from his

most famous stories and develop pictures, photos, toys and ornaments into art to take home.

(Ages 8 – 12 parents keep out!)

P R I N T W O R K S H O P:R O A L D D A H L S C R A B B L E

Print brightly coloured, decorative letters! Then work together as a group to create a large artwork based on what each of you has made. Take your letters

home at the end! (Ages 8 – 12, parents keep out!)

T H E M E E K FA M I LY A D V E N T U R E R SFA M I LY TA L K

Tim, Kerry, Amy (12) and Ella (10) are the Meek family. Tim and Kerry gave up their jobs, sold their house and took their girls out of school. Now they go on

adventures, share ideas and write books that help others to do the same. Come and listen to the Meeks talk about their 100 Family Adventures, how to push your

comfort zones and how to squeeze a bit of adventure into everyday life. See gladfest.co.uk for more fun, interactive Meek events!

G L A D F E S T 2 0 1 6 G E T S S T A R T E DThe Gladbar comes but once a year so drop in for a drink as we launch

Gladfest 2016! Chat with our authors, meet like-minded Gladfesters and make an evening of it with dinner and a talk.

S A T U R D A Y 3 S E P T E M B E R

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Peckish? P O P I N T O F O O D F O R T H O U G H T F O R A L I T T L E LU N C H

Fancy a drink? H E A D T O T H E G L A D B A R !

Linger for Dinner I N F O O D F O R T H O U G H T

Peckish? LU N C H I S S E R V E D I N F O O D F O R T H O U G H T

T H E R E ’S M U S I C , C R A F T S & S N A C K S I N T H E G L A D F E S T M A R K E T P L A C E !

G L A D F E S T 2 0 1 6 – W H A T ’ S O N W H E N Y O U N G P E O P L E ’ S A C T I V I T I E Scelebrating 100 years of Roald Dahl

THE STORM-CLOUD OF THE 21 ST CENTURY

IF POSSIBLE: THE POETRY OF C.P. CAVAFY £5

£5

£5

£15

5:30 p m - 6:30 p m

5:30 p m - 7 :00 p m

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S U N D A Y 4 S E P T E M B E R

F R I D A Y 2 S E P T E M B E R

S A T U R D A Y 3 S E P T E M B E R

6:00 p m - 7 :00 p m

M I C H A E L N O B B SGET ON WITH

YOUR IMPORTANT WORK

Join artist and author Michael Nobbs to discover how he defines Important Work, how you can work out what your own Important

Work is, and how you can commit to it in a sustainable way so you can begin to build the creative life you’ve always wanted.

L O Y D G R O S S M A NTHE HISTORY CRAZE

IN 18 TH CENTURY BRITAINTV presenter and historian Loyd Grossman considers the Georgian craze for history as it was expressed in books, prints and paintings.

Loyd explores 18th century Britain; a time of political, social and intellectual revolutions.

M I C H E L F A B E RUNDYING

After a memorable preview of his forthcoming, then-untitled collection of poetry at last year’s Gladfest, Michel returns with an

event devoted entirely to the collection, now titled Undying and published in July. Not to be missed.

I A N P A R K STIME’S ARROW

In this poetry-writing workshop Ian Parks encourages participants to draw on their own experience of the passing of time to generate new

and exciting poems. Called ‘the finest love poet of his generation’, we are delighted to offer a workshop from one of our first

Writers in Residence.

R A C H E L H O L M E SR A D I C A L S : E L E A N O R M A R X

A N D S Y LV I A PA N K H U R S T Rachel’s dazzling biography of Eleanor Marx won a place on every

‘best of’ list and was praised for its vigorous pace and rigorous scholarship. Join Rachel for tales of Karl Marx’s irrepressible, funny,

passionate daughter - and get a preview of Rachel’s next subject, Sylvia Pankhurst.

S C A R L E T T T H O M A SWRITING THE UNREAL:

FROM THE TROPOSPHERE TO THE OTHERWORLD Scarlett Thomas has published nine novels, many of which contain

elements of magic or fantasy alongside a realistic world and literary themes. Scarlett discusses her complex relationship with both realism and fantasy, and explains why she has decided to write her next book

for children.

P E T E R M O O R ETHE HAWK, THE MAMMOTH

AND THE MURDERER: WRITERS AND THE HISTORICAL IMAGINATION

From dead poets and hot air balloon rides to village murders and T.H. White’s goshawk, this workshop examines how today’s writers use imagination as a literary device and teaches you how to apply the

same techniques to your own work.

R I C H A R D H O L L O W A YS E E I N G V I S I O N S

A N D H E A R I N G V O I C E SReligion is a uniquely human phenomenon. We are thinking creatures, and a capacity to think brings about the capacity to believe. Join what

is sure to be a sell-out crowd to hear Richard’s musings on religious experiences and expressions.

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£15

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S U N D A Y 4 S E P T E M B E R

W H A T ’ S W H E R E

Supported by Literature Wales and Welsh Government as part of the Roald Dahl 100 Wales celebrations.

FESTIVAL SITE Fri: 5pm - 10pm Sat: 9.30am - 10pm Sun: 9.30am - 6pm

FOOD & DRINKOur popular Food for Thought servery is open throughout the festival selling delicious homemade food and drinks. Hot meals are available at lunchtime and in the early evening. There are also hot and cold drinks and a range of snacks for sale in the Gladfest Market Place. Just fancy a drink? The bar in the Gladstone Room sells nibbles and wine, bottled beers and ciders and a range of soft drinks.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Fri: 5pm - 8pmSat: 10am - 8pm (Lunch 12pm - 3pm, Dinner 6pm - 8pm)Sun: 10am - 6pm (Lunch 12pm - 3pm)

GLADFEST MARKET PLACEOur newly expanded Market Place is filled with the best local designers and contemporary crafts. You won’t miss it, it’s that great big tent on the back lawn! Sat and Sun: 10.30am - 6pm

H O W T O B O O K 01244 532350 gladfest.co.uk

enquiries@gladlib.orgpop into reception

P R I C E S

Day Tickets | £30 includes 5 talks

Workshop Day Tickets | £40 includes 4 workshops

Weekend Tickets | £55 includes 10 talks

Individual Talks | £7 eachIndividual Workshops | £12 eachYoung People’s Activities individually priced

At Gladfest there’s no backstage and no green room so you never know who you’ll sit next to!

KNOW ANY YOUNGER GLADFESTERS? There’s a whole new Young People’s Tent and a series of Roald Dahl-inspired activities just for them. Roald Dahl would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year. Happy Birthday, Roald!

PLUS, with our all-new Gladfest Market Place packed full of local designers and contemporary crafts, Gladbooks bookstall stocking reads from all of our writers (get them signed in the Chapel too!), the Food for Thought servery open throughout the day for delicious homemade hot and cold food and the Gladbar ready and waiting to serve up your tipple of choice, there’s more going on than ever before... so you can stick around, make new friends, and make a day of it at Gladfest 2016!

See you in Setember! With love from the Gladfest team.

All tickets must be booked in advance & are non-refundable.

T he UK’s friendliest festival is back for the fourth year with another programme carefully curated to bring you the world’s best and

brightest writing talents. From old friends returning with their latest books to new-to-Gladfest stars, you’re sure to find events that will inspire you to think a little differently.

Listen to literary talks in our beautiful Grade I listed Reading Rooms, mingle with like-minded festival-goers or share a drink with our authors by the fire.

F R I D A Y 2 S E P T E M B E R G E R VA S E P H I N N T H E O LO G Y R O O M T H E S C H O O L I N S P E C TO R C A L L S ! 6 - 7 p m

A N T H O N Y S E L D O N T H E O LO G Y R O O M TA L K S TO P E T E R F R A N C I S 8 - 9 p m

S A T U R D A Y 3 S E P T E M B E RG U Y C U T H B E R T S O N T H E O LO G Y R O O M W I L F R E D O W E N 10 - 11 a m

S I M O N G R E N N A N G LY N N E R O O M C R E AT I N G C O M I C S 10 - 11 :30 a m

F R A N C E S C A H A I G A N W Y L R O O M HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR NOVEL IS FINISHED? 11 :00 a m - 12:30 p m

R I C H A R D H O L L O WAY T H E O LO G Y R O O M A L I T T L E H I S T O R Y O F R E L I G I O N 11 .30 a m - 12 .30 p m

M I C H A E L N O B B S G LY N N E R O O M GET ON WITH YOUR IMPORTANT WORK 12:30 - 2 p m

L OY D G R O S S M A N T H E O LO G Y R O O M T H E H I S TO R Y C R A Z E I N 18T H C E N T U R Y B R I TA I N 1 - 2 p m

M I C H E L FA B E R T H E O LO G Y R O O MU N DY I N G 2.30 - 3 .30 p m

I A N PA R K S G LY N N E R O O M T I M E ’S A R R O W 3 - 4.30 p m

RACHEL HOLMES T H E O LO G Y R O O M ELEANOR MARX AND SYLVIA PANKHURST 4 - 5 p m

S C A R L E T T T H O M A S T H E O LO G Y R O O M W R I T I N G T H E U N R E A L 5.30 - 6 .30 p m

PETER MOORE G LY N N E R O O MT H E H AW K , T H E M A M M OT H & T H E M U R D E R E R 5.30 - 7 p m

RICHARD HOLLOWAY T H E O LO G Y R O O MSEEING VISIONS AND HEARING VOICES 8.30 - 9 .30 p m

S U N D A Y 4 S E P T E M B E RA N D R E W TAT E T H E O LO G Y R O O M THE STORM-CLOUD OF THE 21ST CENTURY 10 - 11 a m

I A N PA R K S G LY N N E R O O M IF POSSIBLE: THE POETRY OF C. P. CAVAFY 10 - 11 a m

M A L C O L M G U I T E T H E O LO G Y R O O MSEASONS, SAINTS AND SAYINGS 1 1 .30 a m - 12 .30 p m

P E T E R B L A I R G LY N N E R O O M FLASH FICTION NOW (AND THEN) 11 .30 a m - 12 .30 p m

F R A N C E S C A H A I G G LY N N E R O O M T H E M A P O F B O N E S 1 - 2 p m

VA N E S S A G E B B I E A N W Y L R O O M

F L A S H W O R K S H O P 1 - 2 :30 p m

S I M O N B R E T T T H E O LO G Y R O O M T I C K L E D TO D E AT H 1 .15 - 2 .15 p m

S A R A H P E R R Y T H E O LO G Y R O O MTHE ESSEX SERPENT 2 .30 - 3 .30 p m

VA L M C D E R M I D T H E O LO G Y R O O MW H O C A R E S W H O K I L L E D R O G E R A C K R OY D ? 4 - 5 p m

The Gladbar closes at closing time

O P E N I N G T I M E S

W I T H T H A N K S T O O U R M A I N S P O N S O R S

H O W T O G E T H E R E

Gladstone’s Library is located in the heart of Hawarden village (CH5 3DF) just six miles outside Chester and 15 minutes’ drive from the M56 & M53, with good public transport links from Chester, Liverpool, Mold and Wrexham.

THERE IS NO CAR PARKING ON SITE DURING GLADFEST

(Blue Badge holders permitted) Parking is located at:Tinkersdale public car park, A550 (P1)Flintshire Record Office, Rectory Lane (P2)Hawarden Masonic Hall, Gladstone Way (P3)Hawarden Village Church School, Cross Tree Lane (P4)

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