Gavin & Stacey actress and former Prodigy star headline Faversham Lit Fest 2025
Alison Steadman and Leeroy Thornhill are joined by former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, paralympian Jonnie Peacock, historian Bettany Hughes, Buzzcock Steve Diggle and writer Will Self
The line-up for the 2025 Faversham Literary Festival has been announced.
Taking place from 21st February to 2nd March in venues across Faversham, the festival has become one of the key literary events in the county (Programme & Tickets Here).
While there are star authors appearing across the festival, we have listed a few of the headliners below:
Much-loved Gavin and Stacey star Alison Steadman talks to Julia Wheeler about her post-war working-class roots, varied acting career – from Abigail’s Party to Pride and Prejudice – and her former marriage to Mike Leigh. Expect it to be very funny, very feminist and very entertaining!
Leeroy Thornhill, ex-member of The Prodigy, talks to author and music journalist Miranda Sawyer about the story of the first decade of the band, from the earliest raves to Japan and the United States in the late 1990s, by which point the band were one of the biggest on the planet
Caroline Lucas, former leader of the Green Party, delves into our literary heritage to explore what it can teach us about today's most pressing issues. With host Claire Armitstead, former associate editor of the Guardian, Culture
A vital reminder of the importance of direct action in turbulent times, Led By Donkeys will discuss their artistic acts of resistance against years of inept, corrupt Conservative rule in Britain. They will be in conversation with journalist, author and artist Siân Pattenden.
Known for her creativity and individuality Dame Zandra Rhodes is one of the most significant figures in British fashion. She talks to Julia Wheeler about her archive of iconic garments, her life spent among rockstars and royalty, life-changing friendships and the highs and lows that come with being an era-defining designer.
Based on the intimate diaries Will Self’s mother kept for over forty years his latest novel, Elaine, explores the interior life of his mother prior to his own existence. A scathing and brilliant view of middle-class 1950s America.
Paralympic champion and Strictly Come Dancing star Jonnie Peacock shares experience and offers inspiration on chasing your dreams and being unstoppable, building confidence, overcoming setbacks and knowing you can achieve anything, no matter what you think your abilities might be
In a feat of magnificent storytelling, award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes reveals secrets from the ancient world told through its seven greatest monuments, including pyramids, hanging gardens and temples.
Buzzcocks bass player and lead guitarist Steve Diggle has been the driving force keeping the band alive since he first met Pete Shelley in 1976. He talks to music journalist Siân Pattenden about his new book Autonomy, Diggle’s definitive inside account of their shared musical legacy and complex friendship through the band’s rise, fall, and rise again.
Dancer and entertainer Wayne Sleep talks to Marg Mayne about his life both on and off stage. In his memoir Just Different he looks back on the extraordinary times he has lived through, from dancing with ballet legends Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn to the prejudices he faced as a working-class, gay man and living through the Aids epidemic. Expect laughter, tears, and plenty of gossip.
Join author and broadcaster Miranda Sawyer as she runs through her fantastic assemblage of key music artists of the 1990s – Oasis, Blur, The Prodigy, Suede, Chemical Brothers, Radiohead, PJ Harvey and more. She talks to music journalist Siân Pattenden about a time when British music meant everything, and the mad exhilaration of being right in the thick of it.
Jamaican reggae poet, activist and critic Linton Kwesi Johnson performs a selection of his poetry and talks about his latest book, Time Come, in conversation with author Jacqueline Crooks.
Winner of this year's Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize Ferdia Lennon tells a tragicomic tale of what happens when two unemployed potters in ancient Syracuse decide to stage two of Euripides' greatest tragedies in a quarry, using Athenian prisoners of war. With host Alex Preston.
Kent artist Ben Edge has travelled Britain recording weird and wonderful folk customs that come alive in communities all over the country. He shares stories, anecdotes and legends with host Caroline Millar, and talks about how connecting with living folklore helped him recover from depression.
Meet one of the producers of the cult-hit TV show Father Ted. In her nostalgic, warm-hearted memoir Lissa Evans reveals the challenges of the job and shares a hilarious montage of some of her most treasured Father Ted moments, from clerics crashing through windows to runaway milk floats. Lissa is in conversation with author Clare Chambers.
And many, many more….. HERE
