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Words of Wonder: Cambridge Literary Festival returns this month




From moving memoirs to fantastic fiction, thought-provoking debates to children’s books, Cambridge Literary Festival’s spring edition boasts 50-plus fascinating events. Louise Cummings selects eight highlights

Who: Christian Lewis - From Hildasay to Home

Christian Lewis
Christian Lewis

What: When former paratrooper Christian Lewis set off from Swansea to walk the entire coastline of the UK on August 1, 2017, his mission was to raise awareness and funds for the veterans’ charity SSAFA. But on his extraordinary journey, he adopted a dog called Jet, found love with fellow adventurer Kate and crossed the finish line on Rhossili beach in July 2023 with a fiancée and baby son (having raised half a million pounds). Get all the feels as you hear Christian’s story, From Hildasay to Home.

Where: TTP Stage (Cambridge Union)

When: Thursday, April 18

Who: Paul Lynch - Prophet Song

Paul Lynch, Picture Joel Saget
Paul Lynch, Picture Joel Saget

What: Exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure, Prophet Song conjures up a nightmarish vision of Ireland taken over by a fascist regime, whilst depicting a mother’s desperate fight to hold her family together. Breathtakingly original and darkly gripping, it won Irish novelist Paul Lynch the 2023 Booker Prize – and you can catch him in conversation with broadcaster Alex Clark.

Where: University Arms Hotel

When: Wednesday, April 17

Who: Caroline Lucas - Another England

Caroline Lucas
Caroline Lucas

What: Described as ‘visionary’ by Philip Pullman, Another England sees Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas attempt to reclaim Englishness from ‘right-wing cheerleaders of isolationism and imperial nostalgia’. In conversation with Melissa Benn, she explores an alternative Englishness, a powerful new perspective which consider the benefits of migration and the accelerating climate emergency.

Where: TTP Stage (Cambridge Union) & Livestream

When: Friday, April 19

Who: Armistead Maupin - Mona of the Manor

Armistead Maupin, Picture Christopher Turner
Armistead Maupin, Picture Christopher Turner

Where: TTP Stage (Cambridge Union)

When: Friday, April 19

Who: Lucy Jones - Matrescence

Lucy Jones, Picture Stuart Simpson for Penguin
Lucy Jones, Picture Stuart Simpson for Penguin

What: Speaking about motherhood in anything other than pastel hues remains, for the most part, taboo. But journalist Lucy Jones is not afraid to go there in Matrescence, a radical new examination of the seismic effect of motherhood on the mind, brain and body. Lucy, whose first book, Foxes Unearthed, was hailed ‘brave, bold and honest’ by Chris Packham, discusses with The New Statesman’s Alona Ferber her desire to unshackle parents from oppressive social norms.

Where: Old Divinity School

When: Saturday, April 20

Who: Jackie Kay with Ali Smith - May Day

Jackie Kay
Jackie Kay

What: An unmissable evening of ‘profundity and poetry’ awaits as much-loved poet Jackie Kay unveils her hotly-anticipated new collection May Day! Radical poems spanning decades of political activism, her collection is inspired by her Glaswegian childhood, through the feminist, LGBT+ and anti-racist movements of the 80s and 90s, to the present day when a global pandemic intersects with the BLM movement. Jackie will be in conversation with Cambridge Literary Festival’s honorary patron, Ali Smith.

Where: TTP Stage (Cambridge Union)

When: Sunday, April 21

Who: Clare Balding - A Canine Adventure Through Britain

Clare Balding, Picture Owen James Vincent
Clare Balding, Picture Owen James Vincent

What: We welcome back one of our own as former Cambridge Union president and Newnham alumna, Clare Balding returns to share her love of dogs. The award-winning broadcaster and writer explores the mysteries of extinct breeds and considers the ancient dogs still thriving today, from Battersea to the Orkney Islands via Buckingham Palace to tell a moving and humorous tale of loyalty and partnership.

Where: TTP Stage (Cambridge Union)

When: Sunday, April 21

Who: Elmer the Patchwork Elephant with Mama G

Mama G and Elmer books
Mama G and Elmer books

What: Fancy coming face to face with David McKee’s brilliantly bright patchwork elephant Elmer? Now’s your chance as equally colourful panto dame Mama G celebrates 35 years of the nursery favourite in a show that celebrates difference. Little readers will be enthralled by this classic tale, full of colour, wisdom and pathos, part of the bumper Children’s Festival which also features Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho presenting his brilliant series, Fairy Tales Gone Bad. Suitable for ages 3+.

Where: TTP Stage (Cambridge Union)

When: Saturday, April 20

Cambridge Literary Festival runs April 17 to 21. See the full line-up at cambridgeliteraryfestival.com


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