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Non-celebrity surprises at the Swindon Festival of Literature: 4 to 16 May
Known names are known because there is a Festival first: a book about
they have made it - onto television, boxing. London-based author Anna
radio, and into the newspapers - Whitwham will be in conversation
and each year, we have a number with Swindon-based trainer of
of these in Swindon. This year is no boxers Paddy Fitzpatrick. This event
exception, writes festival director offers an insight into the philosophy
Matt Holland. of this noble art.
Appearing on 13 May is Rory Talking of art, with culture-loving
Bremner, who will doubtless provide Swindonians getting excited about
post-election impressions that the possible creation of a cultural
satirise prominent politicians and quarter in town, it’s timely that two
hold them humorously to account. eminent lovers of the arts, Robert
Radio 4 presenter and author Hewison and Julian Spalding, will be
Sandi Toksvig will quip her way for Rory Bremner, at the festival in addressing key questions at the Arts
an hour on stage at the Wyvern on association with Swindon Link Centre on 12 May.
5 May. And on 15th, Suzannah Lipscomb,
And Nell McAndrew will skip her right, a fine philosopher who defies
way round Lydiard Park on the 4 stereotype, will address the question Suzannah Lipscomb, defies definition
May before giving a talk on the joys of how we think about things today.
of running. Earlier the same day, zoologist Jules
But hidden in the pages of the Howard will be explaining how a
festival programme are a host thousand million years ago, life
of other fascinating events, with on Earth suddenly became more
authors you may never have heard interesting, colourful, and combat-
of, but are just waiting to be found ive, thanks to sex!
by the discerning reader. These are just some of the
For example, on 5 May at the fascinating non-celebrity surprises
Arts Centre, three mothers who are at this year’s festival.
successful authors and who have The full programme is available in
disproved the notion that having Swindon libraries or by contacting
children stops you writing, will be 01793 771080, swindonlitfest@
telling how they did it and present lowershawfarm.co.uk
samples of their work. See the full festival line-up at
Paddy Fitzpatrick talking boxing Could Swindon ever see a Banksy?
On 7 May at the same venue, www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk

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