Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, actress Alison Steadman, Wild Swans author Jung Chang and former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will headline this year’s Dorchester Literary Festival, from October 17-24.
The festival will bring together award-winning novelists, historians, broadcasters, politicians, explorers and environmentalists for eight days of conversation, debate and storytelling in The Dorford Centre, Dorchester.
The programme ranges from world history and politics to fiction, memoir, nature, food, adventure and current affairs.
Lord Fellowes will reflect on a career spanning Oscar-winning screenwriting, bestselling novels and one of Britain’s most successful television dramas.
Actress Alison Steadman will discuss her candid memoir Out of Character, offering audiences an intimate look behind one of Britain’s most distinguished acting careers.
Internationally acclaimed author Jung Chang returns with Fly Wild Swans: My Mother, Myself and China, a deeply personal account of three generations of women living through modern Chinese history.
Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will explore Britain’s economic future in a timely discussion inspired by his new book Can We Be Rich Again? while leading educator Sir Anthony Seldon appears in two thought-provoking events, examining political leadership and a compelling walk to Auschwitz.
Andrew Lownie lifts the lid on Britain’s most controversial royal dynasty in Entitled, while Damien Lewis, Jonathan Fennell and David Lascelles reveal remarkable untold stories from the Second World War.
Journalist Martin Sixsmith investigates Vladimir Putin’s hidden wealth in Suing the Kremlin, while broadcaster and journalist Samira Ahmed, commentator Simon Jenkins and psychologist Frank Tallis offer fresh perspectives on politics, society and aging well.
What to expect at Dorchester Literary Festival
Rather than traditional lectures, audiences can enjoy in-depth interviews led by an experienced team of broadcasters, journalists and authors.
Throughout the week, speakers will be interviewed by respected names including Kate Adie, Danny Danziger, Steve Harris, Jenny Devitt, Vanessa Berridge, Michael McCarthy, Sam Fraser and Lulu Taylor, creating insightful and entertaining discussions that have become a defining feature of the festival.
Tickets on sale now.