Literary Festival 2020

Our second annual Literary Festival was another huge success, with hundreds of visitors turning out for the author events. 

Kicking off the Festival was Ireland's Laureate for Children's Literature Sarah Crossan who spoke about her latest book 'Toffee', as well as what inspires her writing. Sita Brahmachari followed Sarah's event, focusing on climate chaos, the plights of economic refugees and poverty inequality. Rounding off the day was Jonathan Porritt CBE. The eminent writer, broadcaster and commentator on sustainable development was joined by our Environmentalist-in-Residence Phil Williams and the pair bounced off one another in a very insightful Question & Answer session.

The following day, eco-journalist, naturalist and author Sarah Roberts fascinated her audience with wonderful stories about her career and introduced her book - 'Somebody Swallowed Stanley'. Both energetic and engaging, author M.G Leonard gave a brilliant talk in the mid-afternoon slot, speaking about her 'Beetle Boy' series. Piers Torday, author of the bestselling trilogy 'The Last Wild' concluded the day, speaking about his latest spellbinding fantasy adventure novel, 'The Frozen Sea'. All authors were at the ready with their pens following their talks, offering book signing in the Arts Centre's Upper Foyer. 

Kate Pankhurst, bestselling illustrator and author gave an inspiring talk the following week, and there was plenty of audience participation. Some children were invited onto the stage to dress up and much fun was had by all. 

During the course of the Festival, there were various talks and workshops for students. The Harry Potter Night was hugely popular, with a Triwizard tournament, quiz, hat sorting, dinner in the 'Great Hall' and much more. Hip-hop artist and poet Karl Nova hosted the Bucks Book Award, which was also attended by local schools. Authors Isabel Thomas and Onjali Q.Rauf gave educational and engaging speeches, as well as running workshops during their respective visits to Pipers. Bringing the Festival to a close were journalist and author Wendy Holden and Holocaust survivor Eva Clarke. Hard-hitting at times, the two women captivated their audience with their stories of Auschwitz.