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Programmeof Events
September 27th - October 1st
www.jerseyfestivalofwords.org
Featured authors:Richard Dawkins
Lauren ChildDave Lowe
Penny JoelsonElla Mills
Clare BaldingJoshua SeigalJames BrownJason Rohan
Kevin BrooksCathy Rentzenbrink
John BoyneGlover WrightDean Burnett
Gwyn Garfield-BennettKelly ClaytonDeborah Carr
Alexander McCall SmithMiranda DoyleFelicia YapHamish Marett-CrosbyIan BuxtonStef PenneyStefan RousseauDame Jenni MurrayRhyannon StylesDave RandallBronwyn MatthewsDaisy BuchananKristina StephensonAlexa Radcliffe-HartAyisha MalikChris SmithRachel KellyGreg James
Featured venues:Jersey Opera House
Jersey Arts CentreJersey Library
Maritime MuseumSt James Wine BarJersey HospiceChordz Coffee House
A world of ideas is opening up at the Jersey Festival of Words 2017.From feminism to scientific philosophy and from fake news to music in politics, via new approaches to food and drink, gender and identity, dealing with disability, male bonding through sport, the ups and downs of family life and understanding how the brain really works, this year’s programme offers a stimulating range of things to think about.
There is nothing dry or academic about them, though. Modern ideas will be explored through fascinating human stories as well as discussions with such inspiring stars of non-fiction publishing as Richard Dawkins, Dame Jenni Murray, Cathy Rentzenbrink, Dean
Burnett, Daisy Buchanan and Ella Mills, better known as food blogger Deliciously Ella.
And, of course, the importance of stories in all their forms remains the central idea running through five days of inspiring book-based entertainment and discussion at venues including the Jersey Opera House, Jersey Arts Centre, Jersey Hospice, Maritime Museum and Jersey Library.
Once again, the Jersey Festival of Words will give Islanders and visitors the opportunity to see and hear leading authors of fiction for adults, teenagers and children…and we are proud to say that they include the nation’s newly crowned (and aptly named) Children’s Laureate, Lauren Child.
Sharing her belief that a love of reading leads to a lifetime of delight and discovery, this third edition of Jersey’s young and growing literary festival embraces early years learning partnerships and, reflecting the Island’s unique cultural mix, for the first time there will be storytelling for children in Portuguese, Polish and French.
With a spectacular celebration of Harry Potter’s 20th anniversary and visits from big-name broadcasters Clare Balding and Greg James among the highlights of a packed programme for schools and families, this festival is dedicated to the idea that, when it comes to books, it’s good to start young.
That said, there really is something for festival-goers of all ages and tastes to enjoy, from renowned raconteur Alexander McCall Smith, creator of the No 1 Ladies’
Detective Agency, talking on stage about his life and work, to Ayisha Malik’s comic novel The Other Half of Happiness about life and love for a young Muslim woman, to a celebration of the groundbreaking Mersey Sound poetry anthology, first published fifty
years ago at the height of the cultural revolution that was the Sixties.
Fifty years later, and for many obvious reasons, this is also a time for much reflection on the state of society and the kind of world we want to live in.
A crucial idea in this worldwide debate is how everyone can be included and given opportunities to fulfil their potential, a question at the heart of our festival panel events.
One, entitled A Life Less Ordinary, is staged in association with Autism Jersey, Scope Jersey and Eyecan and features inspiring stories of how to communicate without the usual senses. Another, called Uncharted Territory, looks at pioneering female protagonists in literature and features Costa Award-winning novelist Stef Penney. That theme is complemented by legendary Radio 4 Woman’s Hour presenter Dame Jenni Murray talking about her new book, A History of Britain in 21 Women. And a third panel discussion, Self-curating and Fake News, examines questions of truth, transparency and honesty in the age of Trump and Twitter.
Another 21st century idea expresses itself in the growing acceptance of transgender men and women. Rhyannon Styles, author of The New Girl, will bring her personal experience and insight to the festival stage.
Other non-fiction highlights include mental health campaigner Rachel Kelly, author of Walking on Sunshine, on poetry as therapy and good mood food; Dean Burnett, whose best-selling The Idiot Brain gives new perspectives on what is really going on in our heads; and Daisy Buchanan’s hit title How to be a Grown-Up.
In an age when the leader of the Labour Party can spark adulation at Glastonbury, the relationship between music and politics can rarely have been so significant, an idea examined by ex-Faithless guitarist Dave Randall, author of Sound System; and other
key questions for modern society, such as how many fine whiskies are there to try before you die, how you can play football with someone for years but not know their last name, and why the Deliciously Ella books and blogs on healthy eating have won such a huge following, are also part of a thought-provoking agenda.
One of the most celebrated questioners of the modern age is Richard Dawkins, for decades one of the world’s most brilliant scientific communicators. His new book, Science in the Soul, presents a selection of his writings on the universe’s really big ideas and why they matter.
Then there is the idea of Jersey itself, our very special festival location.
Recently British but with its historical roots firmly in Normandy and a distinctively cosmopolitan modern population, the Island has a rich culture which is also celebrated in the Jersey Festival of Words.
This year’s Jersey-centred events include a nostalgic look at old newspaper serials in Jèrriais, the Island’s own language; an introduction to the new, first-ever translation into English of the medieval history, Les Chroniques de Jersey; a collaboration with Jersey’s Alliance Francaise on the inspiration for Star Wars; a new book, Italy’s Other Island, on the men and women who worked in the tourism industry during its heyday, a period also celebrated by our playwriting associates in Plays Rough with an affectionate tribute to the golden age of holiday cabaret.
So, here is one more idea to think about. Jersey is a beautiful, friendly, forward-looking place with a unique and colourful heritage. What lover of the written word would not want to visit a book festival in a place like that?
Chris Bright
Introduction
“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”
Robin Williams
All festival details and ticket bookings available atwww.jerseyfestivalofwords.org
JerseyFestivalofWords@JerseyWordFest
Timetable of Events Wednesday 27th September - Sunday 1st October
Maritime Museum Jersey Library Miscellaneous Venues (Check individual listing for specific location details) Jersey Arts Centre Jersey Arts Centre (MRR) Jersey Opera House Jersey Opera House Studio
OPENING EVENT: Crapaud to Joy Plays Rough £12W
ED.
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks: The Dinosaur’s Return
Kristina Stephenson £8 Adults
£5 Children
The Other Half of HappinessAyisha Malik
£8
Walking on Sunshine
Rachel Kelly £10
Workshop: Short Story WritingAlexa Radcliffe-Hart
£15
The Life and Times of Michael Ginns
Juanita Shield-Laignel £5
Strolling With ScribesLiterary Walk £8 (meet in Royal Square)
SUN
DA
Y
08.00 09.00 10.00 11.00 12.00 13.00 14.00 15.00 16.00 17.00 18.00 19.00 20.0008.30 09.30 10.30 11.30 12.30 13.30 14.30 15.30 16.30 17.30 18.30 19.30 20.30 21.00 21.30
08.00 09.00 10.00 11.00 12.00 13.00 14.00 15.00 16.00 17.00 18.00 19.00 20.0008.30 09.30 10.30 11.30 12.30 13.30 14.30 15.30 16.30 17.30 18.30 19.30 20.30 21.00 21.30
Creating Charlie and Lola / Lauren Child
£10 Adults £6 Children
20 Years of Harry Potter
£8
Kid NormalGreg James and
Chris Smith £8
Uncharted TerritoryPanel Event
£8
A History of Britain in 21 Women
Dame Jenni Murray£12
The Life and Works of Alexander McCall Smith £12
Jèrriais: Coronation Street before TelevisionGeraint Jennings &
Tony Scott Warren £5
Hard ActGlover Wright
£5
A Conversation with The Blonde Plotters
Panel Event £5
Reflections of D-DayJuliette Hart £5
From Mersey to Jersey £5
The Heart’s Invisible Furies
John Boyne £8
The Idiot BrainDean Burnett
£8
Self-Curating and Fake News
Panel Event £8
The New GirlRhyannon Styles £8
How to be a Grown-Up
Daisy Buchanan £10
Charlie and Lola Story Event
Heather’s House of Stories
A French Story-Time
Sara’s Dress An Interactive
Story Show
Star Wars, Space Opera and the Art
of Valérian and Laureline
Stefan Rousseau
Calligraphy Workshop / Adele Dark FREE Book Blast Children’s Reading
Group
101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die
Ian Buxton £10
Sound SystemDave Randall
£7Hidden Treasures
A Manual for HeartacheCathy Rentzenbrink £10
A Voice from the Past: Les Chroniques
De Jersey in Translation
Bronwyn Matthews £5
Italy’s Other IslandHamish
Marett-Crosby £5
JEP Writing Competition
Winners Presentation
SATU
RD
AY
The Stone of KuromoriJason Rohan Entry is FREE for students
The Incredible DadventureDave Lowe Entry is FREE for students
A Life Less OrdinaryPanel Event £12
Deliciously Ella with Friends £12
Born Scared Kevin Brooks
Entry is FREE for students
I Have No Secrets Penny Joelson
Entry is FREE for students
Citizens of CoffeeDavid Warr
Discover Your Family’s History The Blonde Plotters
Panel Event
Book Blast Children’s Reading GroupHidden Treasures
THU
RSD
AY
I Don’t Like PoetryJoshua Seigal
Entry is FREE for students
The Racehorse Who DisappearedClare Balding
Entry is FREE for students
The Idiot Brain Dean Burnett
Entry is FREE for students
Above Head HeightJames Brown £8
Science in the SoulRichard Dawkins £15
Built to GrowRoyston Guest
A Celebration of Stories Dual-
Language Story Time
Getting into Print Roger Jones
Calligraphy Workshop / Adele Dark FREE
FRID
AY
Venue Key:
08.00Citizens of Coffee / David WarrDavid Warr, owner of Cooper & Co., a speciality tea and coffee business, will be discussing the issues raised in his latest book, Citizens of Coffee, in particular how can we reflect value though out the supply chain? Citizens of Coffee highlights the importance of everyone in the supply chain, from the person who collects the bean to the person who cleans the café and the Barista who serves the coffee.
10.00 – 12.00 / Discover Your Family’s HistoryJersey Library’s staff will show you how to discover your family’s history, using the broad range of resources in the Library, from newspaper archives and references resources to the latest online databases such as Ancestry UK and Forces War Records.
11.00 - 12.00Hidden TreasuresView the historical collection at the Jersey Library which includes donations from the Reverend Philip Falle, founder of Jersey’s Public Library, and Dr Daniel Dumaresq. These books are rarely viewed and some date back to the 1400s. Many are beautifully bound, colour hand-finished and edged in gold leaf. To reserve a place visit Jersey Library or call 448701.
13.10 - 13.50A Conversation with The Blonde PlottersThe Blonde Plotters have experienced both sides of the publishing marketplace and are able to talk through the pros and cons of being traditionally or self-published. If you are writing a book and want to know what will be the best business option for you, come along for a practical talk on what it will take to become a successful author.
15.30 - 16.30 / Book Blast / Children’s Reading GroupFree admission: no booking required. Children aged under 7 must be accompanied by an adult or responsible young person.
Thursday 28th September
Jersey Opera House
Maritime Museum
Jersey Library
Chordz
Jersey Arts Centre
St James Wine Bar
Jersey Hospice
19.30 – 21.30 / £12 (includes a glass of wine)
Crapaud to JoyPlays RoughMARITIME MUSEUM
Last year Plays Rough were asked to produce some original performance pieces, based on or around Shakespeare. They populated Mont Orgueil with five very different plays, all written, directed and performed by Island talent.
Shakespeare was writing before the post-war boom in package holidays, so was a flawed choice as he never referred to Jersey in his work. This year will be different.
Guinness world record holder, crooner, and creator of one of the most pirated pieces of vinyl south of Little Sark, Bob Anthony, and his seminal 1975 album Ile D’Amour, will be the inspiration for 2017.
So get down down down to St Helier (specifically the Maritime Museum) to see the Festival opened in (some sort of) style.
Doors open 19.00, performance starts 19.30.
OPENING EVENTWednesday 27th September
Venues
18.00 / £12
A Life Less Ordinary Panel Event / OPERA HOUSE
Jem Lester’s darkly funny debut novel Shtum is based on his own experiences as a single father to profoundly autistic ten-year-old Jonah. In Penny Joelson’s novel I Have No Secrets fourteen-year-old Jemma discovers the identity of a cruel murderer, yet is powerless to communicate (or is she?) due to her severe cerebral palsy. And in her debut book, Patient H69, film producer and mother of two Vanessa Potter reveals the terror of being struck blind by Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder, and her subsequent lengthy recovery.
Join these three authors for a fascinating panel discussion on their work, with a focus on the various challenges faced when attempting to communicate without the common senses. Chairing the discussion will be radio presenter Sara Palmer.
A portion of all ticket proceeds for this event will be donated to Autism Jersey, Scope Jersey and Eyecan Jersey Blind Society. Event sponsored by NASUWT
20.00 / £12
Deliciously Ella with Friends / OPERA HOUSE
Ella Mills is the creator of must-read food blog, www.deliciouslyella.com, which has taken the cookery world by storm since its launch in 2013. Ella began the blog as a way of dealing with a rare illness, Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, which left her practically bed-ridden.
Her first book, Deliciously Ella, was published in 2015, becoming the UK’s biggest selling debut cookbook selling over 300,000 copies since publication; it was followed by the bestselling Deliciously Ella Every Day, which has sold 145,000 copies since publication in early 2016.
Here she discusses her new cookbook Deliciously Ella with Friends, which is full of nourishing, healthy dishes for you, family and friends and is a testament to how her holistic diet radically improved her health.
Interviewing Ella at this event will be Festival vice-chairman Paul Bisson.
The following JERSEY LIBRARY EVENTS are all FREE
Thursday 28th September Friday 29th September
12.00 – 13.30I Have No Secrets Penny JoelsonJERSEY COLLEGE FOR GIRLS
Jemma knows who did the murder. She knows because he told her. And she can’t tell anyone. Fourteen-year-old Jemma has severe cerebral palsy. Unable to communicate or move, she relies on her family and carer for everything.
She has a sharp brain and inquisitive nature, and knows all sorts of things about everyone.
But when she is confronted with this terrible secret, she is utterly powerless to do anything. Though that might be about to change…
Penny Joelson lives in London with her husband and two children. She began working with disabled people when she was a teenager, which gave her inspiration for this novel and its insights. Penny runs ‘Creative Writing for Children’ workshops at City Lit and is currently working on her next novel.
10.00 – 12.00The Stone of Kuromori Jason RohanOPERA HOUSE
Three treasures. Two friends. One destiny. Ever since Kenny learned that he’d been chosen as bearer of a magical sword, he and best friend Kiyomi have been protecting the human world from ancient Japanese monsters.
This series is for fans of Beast Quest and Percy Jackson featuring a hyper-cool modern-day Japanese setting with references to Pokemon, Super Mario and demons and monsters from Japanese folklore. So get set to join Jason for a fabulous event (including the Malteser chopstick challenge!).
Jason Rohan has worked as a staff writer for Marvel Comics in New York and as an English teacher in Japan, where he lived for five years. He returned to the UK and now lives in West London with his wife and five children.
12.00 – 14.00The Incredible DadventureDave LoweOPERA HOUSE
Meet Holly: Big sister, Magician, Explorer-in-training! Holly wants to be an adventurer, just like her dad. He’s an explorer – well, a travel writer – but he’s always off on adventures. Now he’s away in Greenland riding dogsleds and sleeping in an igloo while Holly is stuck at home with Mum.
But Dad has planned something very special – Holly’s birthday card is a map where X marks the beginning of ten challenges that she must complete in as many days; her very own ‘Dadventure’! As Holly completes each task she discovers that exploring often means facing your fears, that Mum used to be a danger-loving daredevil and that adventures can happen very close to home!
An internationally renowned children’s author, Dave Lowe grew up in Dudley, West Midlands. He now lives in Australia with his wife and daughters.
10.00 – 11.30Born ScaredKevin BrooksHAUTE VALLEE
Join Kevin Brooks, recipient of the 2014 Carnegie Medal, as he discusses his much anticipated follow-up title: Born Scared.
From the moment he was born, Elliot’s life has been governed by acute fear. The only thing that keeps his terrors in check are his daily pills. It’s Christmas Eve, there’s a snowstorm and Elliot’s medication is almost gone. His mum nips out to collect his prescription. When she doesn’t come back, Elliot must face his fears and try to find her. She should only be 400 metres away. It might as well be 400 miles…
Kevin Brooks has had a varied working life, with jobs in a crematorium, a zoo, a garage and a post office, before – happily – giving it all up to write books. Kevin is the author of many award-winning young adult novels, including Martyn Pig, Lucas, Kissing The Rain, and The Bunker Diaries.
KS3
KS3
KS2
Santander International Schools Programme Entry is FREE for all students, please email [email protected] to book.
12.00 – 14.00The Racehorse Who DisappearedClare BaldingOPERA HOUSE
Clare Balding launches The Racehorse Who Disappeared, her second brilliant adventure story for young heroine Charlie Bass and her hilarious family of humans and animals. The Racehorse Who Disappeared is the follow-up to Clare’s bestselling children’s debut, The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop, an aspirational story about overcoming adversity and following your dreams, subjects close to Clare’s heart.
Clare will share tales of growing up surrounded by animals and inspirational stories from the Olympians and Paralympians she has met during her remarkable career. Expect lots of audience interaction and lots of time for questions.
10.00 – 12.00I Don’t Like PoetryJoshua SeigalOPERA HOUSE
What do you mean you don’t like poetry? This must mean you’ve not read the debut collection of poems from Joshua Seigal!
Whether it’s poems about the power of books or the joys of fried chicken, once you’ve read Joshua’s poems you’ll be shouting from the rooftops that poetry is the place to be!
Packed with subversive humour and a real insight into the world of children today, I Don’t Like Poetry will please the most reluctant of poem readers whether they want something funny, sad or scary. It is a wonderful collection that shows a new poet at his best.
Joshua Seigal is a poet, performer and workshop leader who spends his time visiting schools, libraries and theatres around the country and beyond.
14.00 – 15.20The Idiot BrainDean BurnettHAUTLIEU SCHOOL
Why do you lose arguments with people who know MUCH LESS than you? Why can you recognise that woman, from that thing… but can’t remember her name? And why, after your last break-up, did you find yourself in the foetal position on the sofa for days, moving only to wipe the snot and tears haphazardly from your face?
Here’s why: the idiot brain. For something supposedly so brilliant and evolutionarily advanced, the human brain is pretty messy, fallible and disorganised.
In The Idiot Brain, neuroscientist Dean Burnett tours our mysterious and mischievous grey (and white) matter. Along the way he explains the human brain’s imperfections in all their glory and how these influence everything we say, do and experience.
KS2
KS2
KS2
KS4
Friday 29th September
08.00Built To Grow Royston GuestJERSEY LIBRARY
In his brand new keynote session Royston Guest, CEO of Pti Worldwide and author of the #1 best seller Built to Grow, will share his insights on why ALL businesses need to think like a Day One business to not only survive but thrive.
10.00 - 13.00 Calligraphy WorkshopAdele Dark JERSEY LIBRARY
Explore Roman Capitals and lettering during this workshop and design a panel to include your name and other words reflecting your loves and life. Square edged nibs and other writing tools, inks and paper will be provided.
11.00 - 12.00 A Celebration of StoriesDual-Language Story TimeJERSEY LIBRARY
This event aims to celebrate the duality of language through some well-chosen classics of children’s literature told in a variety of languages, including Portuguese and Polish.
Suitable for ages 3+.
16.00 - 17.30Getting into PrintRoger JonesJERSEY LIBRARY
Roger published his first book in 1979 and now has some 300 books to his name. He began the imprint Seaflower in 1992 under which he has brought out over 40 books on various aspects of the Channel Islands, especially Jersey. In addition he has helped many authors self-publish their work.
18.00 / £8
Above Head HeightJames BrownOPERA HOUSE
James Brown has been playing football since growing up in the backstreets of Leeds. The sudden death of one of his long-standing team mates made James ponder the unique bond between men who meet each other once a week for years, but don’t know any personal details beyond pitch prowess.
Five-a-side is sporting karaoke – a time and place to live out our dreams.
Above Head Height is a book for all five-a-side fans - school mates, work colleagues, total strangers - bonded by the desire to blast one into the net from two feet away.
James Brown worked on the NME, founded Loaded magazine and was editor-in-chief of British GQ. He is a media entrepreneur, journalist and hosts a weekly show on talkSPORT. Interviewing James will be lawyer and Festival of Words committee member Richard Pedley.
Suitable for 16+
20.00 / £15
Science in the SoulRichard DawkinsOPERA HOUSE
Richard Dawkins first catapulted to fame with his iconic work The Selfish Gene (1976) which he followed with a string of prestigious books including The Blind Watchmaker, Climbing Mount Improbable, The Ancestor’s Tale, The God Delusion, and two autobiographical volumes. He is a Fellow of both the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Literature and the recipient of numerous honours and awards. He remains a Fellow of New College, Oxford. In 2013, Dawkins was voted the world’s top thinker in Prospect magazine’s poll of 10,000 readers from over 100 countries.
At this unmissable event he discusses Science in the Soul, a collection of forty-two essays, polemics, and paeans—all written with his characteristic erudition, remorseless wit, and unjaded awe of the natural world.
Dawkins calls on us to insist that reason take centre stage and that gut feelings, even when they don’t represent the stirred dark waters of xenophobia, misogyny, or other blind prejudice, should stay out of the voting booth.
Interviewing Dawkins will be Sean Dettman from event sponsors Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies (JICAS).
Friday 29th September
Saturday 30th September
10.00 – 11.00 / £10 adults + £6 children
Creating Charlie and LolaLauren ChildOPERA HOUSE
Lauren Child is a multi-award-winning, bestselling writer and artist. She is the creator of many much-loved characters, including Clarice Bean, Ruby Redfort and Charlie and Lola.
Her first two books were published in 1999 – I Want a Pet and Clarice Bean, That’s Me – and she won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal in 2000 for I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato, the first of her Charlie and Lola picture books.
Lauren is an international ambassador for the excellence of UK illustration; she’s been at the forefront of innovation for 15 years and has raised the profile of illustration as a sophisticated art form for all ages.
In 2010 Lauren was awarded an MBE for services to literature; in June 2017 she was appointed as the new UK Children’s Laureate.
Join Lauren as she reads from her latest Charlie and Lola book A Dog With Nice Ears and discusses the creative processes behind her writing. A must for fans and budding illustrators and writers alike!
(Suitable for ages 7+)
11.00 / £10
A Manual for HeartacheCathy RentzenbrinkJERSEY HOSPICE
Heartache is human: over the course of our lives, we all encounter sadness and loss. But what do we say when the worst has happened to someone we love – and how do we cope when it happens to us?
With boundless warmth and compassion, Cathy Rentzenbrink shares her experiences of living with heartache and looking for hope and joy in a cruel world. The result is a survival guide for hard times; a book that will shine a chink of light into a dark day and remind you that you are not alone.
Cathy Rentzenbrink is the author of the bestselling memoir The Last Act of Love, which was shortlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize. Chairing this event will be literary blogger, Naomi Frisby (The Writes of Women).
Tickets available via Clarkson House: please call 01534 876555.
10.45 – 11.45 / £5
Jèrriais: Coronation Street Before Television / Geraint Jennings and Tony Scott WarrenARTS CENTRE (MRR)
With a rich spoken and written tradition, Jersey’s ancient native language, Jèrriais, is a fixture at the Jersey Festival of Words.
Two of its most passionate champions are linguists Geraint Jennings and Tony Scott Warren, who this year will be recalling the popular Jèrriais newspaper serials of the 19th and 20th centuries that were the soap operas of their day.
This dynamic duo have played a leading role in the preservation and revival of the Island’s Norman-French dialect through their work at the States Education Department’s Office du Jèrriais. Tony is a former RAF man and television announcer who became a language teaching co-ordinator 20 years ago and Geraint is a poet, artist and illustrator who has edited an anthology of Channel Islands literature in Norman-French, The Toad and the Donkey.
11.00 / £8
The Heart’s Invisible FuriesJohn BoyneARTS CENTRE
John Boyne has written ten novels for adults and five for younger readers, including The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, which has sold nine million copies worldwide and inspired both a film and a ballet. This leading modern novelist’s work has been translated into 51 languages.
Born in Ireland, where he still lives, John Boyne has received numerous awards, including the Hennessy Literary Hall of Fame Award for his body of work. His latest novel, The Heart’s Invisible Furies, is a poignant story of life in Ireland over 70 years, through the eyes of one ordinary man. Interviewing John Boyne will be Andrew Davey.
Not suitable for children.
Saturday 30th September
11.30Charlie and Lola Story EventJERSEY LIBRARY
Storyteller Heather Burton will bring Lauren Child’s latest Charlie and Lola book A Dog With Nice Ears to life. Heather’s performance will be followed by a visit from Lauren Child, to meet Charlie and Lola fans and sign her books. Suitable for children aged 3-7 years old.
12.00 / £8
20 Years of Harry PotterOPERA HOUSE
Boy. Wizard. Hero. Celebrate twenty years of Harry Potter magic with this fun and interactive event!
Have you ever wanted to explore the magical world of the Harry Potter books? Join Fleurble Laffalot, assistant to the ‘Professor of Potter’ as she brings to the stage a slow-motion Quidditch match, the sorting ceremony and other spells, creatures and adventures from the Harry Potter series.
A fun and interactive event – endorsed by JK Rowling – for all of the family, whether you are new to the books or a dedicated fan. Unique event bookmarks and postcards for all who attend. Come and share the magic!
Event sponsored by Le Gallais.
13.00 / £8
The Idiot Brain / Dean BurnettARTS CENTRE
Why do you lose arguments with people who know MUCH LESS than you? Why can you recognise that woman, from that thing… but can’t remember her name? And why, after your last break-up, did you find yourself in the foetal position on the sofa for days, moving only to wipe the snot and tears haphazardly from your face?
Here’s why: the idiot brain. For something supposedly so brilliant and evolutionarily advanced, the human brain is pretty messy, fallible and disorganised.
In The Idiot Brain, neuroscientist Dean Burnett tours our mysterious and mischievous grey (and white) matter. Along the way he explains the human brain’s imperfections in all their glory and how these influence everything we say, do and experience.
Saturday 30th September
12.30 – 13.30 / £5
Hard ActGlover WrightARTS CENTRE (MRR)
In 2011, American Seal Team Six killed Osama bin Laden in an ultra-secret CIA operation hailed as the outgoing US president’s crowning achievement. Pakistan’s chief investigator into US Operation Neptune Spear concluded Bin Laden was betrayed by Al Qaeda itself, fooling the CIA and gaining the US president’s bounty on their ailing leader’s head: $25,000,000, which may have given birth to deadly ISIS.
Join internationally acclaimed thriller writer Glover Wright (The Hound of Heaven, Aurora) as he discusses his latest novel Hard Act, and looks back over a writing career spanning four decades.
14.30 – 15.30 / £5
A Voice from the Past: Les Chroniques de Jersey in TranslationBronwyn MatthewsARTS CENTRE (MRR)
What was life in Jersey like in the 16th Century? The Chroniques de Jersey, covering the period 1460-1585, is Jersey’s oldest known history book, full of true tales of corruption and intrigue, religious zeal and piracy, bravery and kindness. Few people today seem to be aware of this extraordinary book but perhaps this is not surprising since it was written in Middle French and has been out of print for over 100 years. Bronwyn has translated Chroniques de Jersey into English in a new parallel text edition due for publication later this year. In this session she will be relating some of those stories and talking about the challenges of translating the Chroniques for 21st century readers.
Bronwyn Matthews was born in New Zealand and studied French at the University of Otago. She worked for some years at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, most recently as the Special Collections librarian. A passion for history and archaeology led her to Jersey, where she has been the librarian at the Société Jersiaise since 2014.
16.00 / £5
Italy’s Other IslandHamish Marrett-CrosbyARTS CENTRE (MRR)
Hamish Marett-Crosby is a journalist, broadcaster and raconteur who has also enjoyed a long association with the hospitality industry.
His different areas of expertise come together in his book Italy’s Other Island: The Italian Community and the Making of Modern Jersey. It tells the colourful story of the men and women from Italy who made Jersey their home and played a central part in the success of its tourism as it became the No.1 industry between the 1950s and 1980s. His affectionate history was launched at this year’s Viva Italia! festival in Jersey, a proud new venture by the children and grandchildren of these pasta pioneers.
15.00 / £8
Self-Curating and Fake News Panel EventARTS CENTRE
Miranda Doyle’s A Book of Untruths is a family story told through a series of lies. Each short chapter features one of these lies and each lie builds to form a picture of life – the narrator’s life as she struggles to understand her complicated family and her own place within it.
Felicia Yap’s novel Yesterday is set to be the most talked-about thriller of 2017, a beautifully written psychological drama which taps into our innermost fears concerning identity, memory and love. Just how do you solve a murder when you can only remember yesterday?
Joining the two novelists will be veteran Jersey Evening Post picture editor Peter Mourant, who has just celebrated 40 years as picture editor for the Jersey Evening Post.
Together they will be discussing the nature of truth in all its forms, including the art of self-curation, the stories pictures tell, the role of echo chambers in modern discourse and the impact of fake news. The discussion will be chaired by renowned literary blogger (The Writes of Women) and returning festival chair Naomi Frisby.
14.00 / £8
Kid NormalGreg James and Chris SmithOPERA HOUSE
Kid Normal is the debut children’s book by Radio 1 presenters Greg James (Drivetime, UK’s Official Chart) and Newsbeat’s Chris Smith.
When Murph Cooper rocks up to his new school several weeks into the beginning of term, he can’t help but feel a bit out of his depth. And it’s not because he’s worried about where to sit, and making friends, and fitting in, or not knowing where the loos are. It’s because his mum has enrolled him at a school for superheroes by mistake.
And unlike his fellow students, who can control the weather or fly or conjure tiny horses from thin air, Murph has no special abilities whatsoever…
Get set for a hugely entertaining and interactive event exploring our preconceptions of superheroes and villains, featuring props, sing-alongs and games.
Event sponsored by Appleby.
Saturday 30th September
OPERA HOUSE STUDIO
13.30-14.30 / £5
A Conversation with The Blonde PlottersMake way for the Blonde Plotters! Join local authors Gwyn Garfield-Bennett, Kelly Clayton and Georgina Troy as they discuss their craft, their inspirations and how the three came to meet. Jersey locals, they are all independently published authors writing a mix of genres including romance, general fiction and crime thrillers.
15.00 – 16.00 / £5
Reflections of D-Day / Juliette HartJersey born poet Juliette Hart has visited the Normandy landing beaches, cemeteries and museums several times with veterans who have inspired her collection of poetry Reflections of D-Day. Here historical events come to life through the personal experiences of the veterans as she reads poems from the collection with a backdrop of photographs taken in Normandy.
JERSEY LIBRARY EVENTS
10.00 - 13.00 Calligraphy WorkshopAdele Dark Please see Friday’s event listing for details.
11.00 – 12.00Hidden TreasuresPlease see Thursday’s event listing for details.
14.00 - 15.00A French Story Time Join us for a bilingual story time as staff from the Alliance Française de Jersey and Jersey Library take it in turns to read Lauren Child’s Charlie and Lola in English and French. Suitable for children aged 3-7 years old.
14.00 – 15.00Book BlastChildren’s Reading GroupFree admission: no booking required. Children aged under 7 must be accompanied by an adult or responsible young person.
15.30 – 16.30Sara’s Dress: An Interactive Story ShowWhen Sara is given an extra special dress for her birthday she decides that no matter what, she’s never going to take it off! Through imaginative storytelling, music and dancing Heather Burton invites you on a fabulous journey as we follow Sara’s story through a whole year.
Running time: story approx. 45 mins followed by time to meet Heather and explore the set. Suitable for children aged 3 - 8 years old.
17.30 - 18.30Star Wars, Space Opera and the Art of Valerian and Laureline / Stefan RousseauThe science fiction series Valérian and Laureline is one of the most influential French comics of all time which provided many visual cues for George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise. A talk for SF aficionados, introducing the amazing world of French/Belgian science-fiction comics of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Cosplay optional.
Saturday 30th September
16.00 – 17.15 / £10
101 Whiskies To Try Before You DieIan BuxtonST JAMES WINE BAR
101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die is a whisky guide with a difference.
Avoiding the deliberately obscure, the ridiculously limited and the absurdly expensive, whisky expert Ian Buxton recommends an eclectic selection of old favourites, stellar newcomers and mystifyingly unknown drams that simply have to be drunk.
The book decodes the marketing hype and gets straight to the point; whether from India, America, Sweden, Ireland, Japan or the hills, glens and islands of Scotland, here are the 101 whiskies that you really want. This event will feature selected whisky tastings…try them before you die – Slainte!
Ian Buxton is a former Marketing Director of Glenmorangie and has worked in the industry for nearly 30 years. He now runs a successful consultancy business. He was elected a Keeper of the Quaich in 1991, the highest honour of the Scotch whisky industry, and is a member of the international tasting panel for the annual World Whisky Awards.
Event sponsored by Le Gallais.
18.00 / £12
A History of Britain in 21 WomenDame Jenni MurrayOPERA HOUSE
Boadicea battled the Romans. Nancy Astor fought in Parliament. Emmeline Pankhurst campaigned for female suffrage. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson became a pioneering physician in a man’s profession. Mary Quant revolutionised the fashion industry.
Britain has traditionally been defined by its conflicts, its conquests, its men and its monarchs. It’s high time that it was defined by its women. In her new book A History of Britain in 21 Women, journalist, broadcaster and veteran host of Radio 4’s Women’s Hour Dame Jenni Murray tells the stories of twenty-one women – famous queens, great artists and trailblazing politicians – who refused to succumb to the established laws of society, whose lives embodied hope and change. Interviewing her will be returning festival chair and renowned writer Cathy Rentzenbrink.
18.30 – 19.30 / £8
The New GirlRhyannon StylesARTS CENTRE
The New Girl is the memoir of an extraordinary woman – who happens to identify as transgender. Journalist, performance artist and musician Rhyannon Styles documents her life story, including her transition from male to female.
Imagine feeling lost in your own body. Imagine spending years living a lie, denying what makes you ‘you’. This was Ryan’s reality. He had to choose: die as a man or live as a woman. In 2012, Ryan made the choice to set Rhyannon free. At the age of thirty Rhyannon began her transition, taking the first steps on the long road to her true self, and the emotional, physical and psychological journey that would change her for ever.
Interviewing Rhyannon will be BBC Journalist Chris Stone.
19.00 – 20.00 / £7
Sound SystemDave RandallCHORDZ COFFEE HOUSE
Musicians have often wanted to change the world. From underground grime artists to pop icons, many have believed in the political power of music. Rulers recognise it too. Music has been used to unsettle the most fundamental political and social conventions and to prop up the status-quo. Sound System is the story of one musician’s journey to discover what makes music so powerful.
Dave Randall is a guitarist, producer and composer. He has contributed to multimillion selling albums by Grammy Award winning artist Dido, has toured the world a number of times performing with UK dance act Faithless, and released critically acclaimed albums released under the name Slovo.
Event sponsored by Chordz.
Tickets available from Chordz Coffee House (01534 759238)
Saturday 30th September
16.45 – 17.45 / £5
From Mersey to JerseyOPERA HOUSE STUDIO
Fifty years ago a collection of poetry called The Mersey Sound was published, with work from Roger McGough, Brian Patten and Adrian Henri. It was hugely popular (a poetry anthology selling 500,000 is unusual, even if you are Seamus Heaney) and the accessibility of the poems helped create an environment for performance poetry that still endures. As a tribute a gang of local poets have been dragged from their desks to create similarly accessible verses inspired by that collection.
Featuring readings from The Mersey Sound, original material from Island poets including Linda Rose Parkes, Geraint Jennings and Nicky Mesch, and a quick discussion on why song lyrics are almost always dreadful when stripped of their musical backing.
16.00 / £8
Uncharted Territory Panel EventStef Penney and Jane MenczerOPERA HOUSE
Set against the stark, timeless beauty of northern Greenland and fin-de-siècle New York and London, Costa-winning author Stef Penney’s novel Under a Pole Star is a compelling look at the dark side of the ‘golden age’ of exploration, a study of the corrosive power of ambition, and an epic, incendiary love story following whaler’s daughter Flora Mackie as she sets out to become a scientist and explorer.
Set in 1905 Jane Menczer’s novel An Unlikely Agent follows Margaret Trant, who begins the story living with her ailing mother in a dreary boarding house in St John’s Wood. Following a chance interview she finds herself working for a highly secret branch of the intelligence service, Bureau 8, whose mission is to track down and neutralise a ruthless band of anarchists known as The Scorpions.
Chairing the discussion on writing pioneering female protagonists will be writer Gwyn Garfield-Bennett.
17.00Jersey Evening Post Writing CompetitionWinners PresentationARTS CENTRE
Prize-giving event for this year’s Rathbones / Jersey Evening Post Short Story competition, which continues to encourage local writers of all ages to share their talents by submitting original short stories and flash fiction.
16.00 / £10
Walking on Sunshine / Rachel KellyARTS CENTRE
Books advising you on how to improve your mental health are not rare, but it is arguable that few of them offer any kind of assistance. Rachel Kelly has used her experience of clinical depression (which involved the Oxford graduate, working mother and Times journalist going from mild anxiety to a spell in a psychiatric hospital in the space of three days) to suggest techniques to prevent being overwhelmed.
Her first book, Black Rainbow, was a Sunday Times bestseller in 2014 and showed how the written word, especially poetry, can provide a lifeline for anyone struggling with low moods. Walking on Sunshine offers 52 ideas to manage the pressures of life. Rachel will also be discussing her book The Happy Kitchen, an exploration of the effect the right food can have on good mood.
Rachel will be interviewed by ITV news presenter Jess Dunsdon. A portion of ticket proceeds from this event will be donated to Mind Jersey.
Event sponsored by Le Gallais.
Saturday 30th September
20.00 / £12
The Life and Works of Alexander McCall SmithOPERA HOUSE
Join one of the world’s most prolific and best-loved authors, Alexander
McCall Smith, as he talks about his life and work, including his latest book Chance Developments.
McCall Smith worked as a professor of medical law before turning his hand to writing. Publication of his The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series turned him into a household name and allowed him to devote his time to writing. The series has sold more than 20 million copies in English alone, and his books have been translated into 46 languages and have topped bestseller lists around the globe.
The sheer volume of his work – four or five new books a year – makes McCall Smith stand out, as does the dry humour and gentle humanity the books contain. His latest works include Precious and Grace, the 17th book in The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series; A Distant View of Everything, eleventh in the Isabel Dalhousie series and Chance Developments – five snapshots of love stories that could have been.
Interviewing Alexander McCall Smith will be Andrew Davey.
Event sponsored by Appleby.
11.00 / £8 adults + £5 children
Sir Charlie Stinky Socks: The Dinosaur’s Return / Kristina StephensonARTS CENTRE
Kristina enjoyed a successful career in children’s TV before having a family of her own and being inspired to write and draw by her son Charlie.
The result was the popular character Sir Charlie Stinky Socks, who returns in a swashbuckling new picture book adventure, The Dinosaur’s Return. This time, the mission for Sir Charlie and his faithful friends is to take a little dinosaur home on a journey that will take them to Thunder Mountain, where they face a threatening volcano and a dinosaur stampede.
Get ready for a lively stage show featuring giant books, props, and maybe even a song or two!
14.00 / £8
The Other Half of HappinessAyisha MalikARTS CENTRE
Sofia Khan is just married. But no one told her life was going to be this way. Her living situation is in dire straits, her husband Conall is distant, and his annoyingly attractive colleague is ringing all sorts of alarm bells. When her mother forces them into a belated wedding ceremony, Sofia wonders if it might be a chance to bring them together. But when it forces Conall to confess his darkest secret, it might just tear them apart.
A book to make you smile, laugh and cry, this is the story of a mixed-race marriage and a mixed-up family, for anyone who’s ever struggled to balance their pride with their principles, or stuck around to try to mend a broken heart.
One of WH Smith’s Fresh Talent authors for 2016 Ayisha is also the ghost writer for Great British Bake Off winner, Nadiya Hussain’s book, The Secret Lives of the Amir Sisters (Harlequin). She is now a full-time writer and is working on her third novel, as well as Nadiya’s second book.
11.30 –13.00 / £15
Workshop: Short Story WritingARTS CENTRE (MRR)
Alexa Radcliffe-Hart is a short story writer, whose work featured in the inaugural Liquorice Fish anthology, Lost Voices, among others. Alexa is currently writing her short story collection, Yet To Be Determined. Alongside writing, she works in marketing and as an editor/workshop facilitator for literary organisations including The Word Factory, Writers’ HQ, First Story.
“Head first…” is a focused hands-on course which will allow a group of up to 15 writers to develop their short story skills. Bring your writing equipment and an open mind. Alexa will guide you to uncover new characters and situations to explore within the short form.
13.00 - 15.00 / £8
Strolling With Scribes Literary WalkJoin Blue Badge Guide Tom Bunting for a unique literary walking tour in St Helier - you’ll wander with Wace, the Norman poet, loiter with Lillie Langtry, Jersey’s most famous actress, and raise your glass to the revolutionaries, Marx and Engels, in one of their favourite pubs.
Meet in Royal Square; suitable for 18+.
Tickets available via Eventbrite.
14.30 – 15.30 / £5
Occupation Reconciliation: The Life and Times of Michael Ginns MBEJuanita Shield-LaignelARTS CENTRE (MRR)
One of the most distinguished guardians of Jersey’s Occupation history, Michael Ginns MBE, died earlier this year after a long and eventful life. That life is celebrated in Occupation Reconciliation, a biography by Juanita Shield-Laignel due for publication later this year on what would have been Michael’s 90th birthday.
As a teenager in 1942, Michael was among the hundreds of Islanders deported and interned in Germany on the orders of Adolf Hitler, whose forces occupied the Channel Islands from 1940 to 1945. In 2009, after ten years of research, he published his major work of historical record, Jersey Occupied.
Juanita Shield-Laignel is a Jersey-based writer and complementary therapist and editor of Fish Media.
Sunday 1st October
20.30 / £10
How to be a Grown-UpDaisy BuchananARTS CENTRE
Daisy Buchanan is an award-winning journalist, Grazia agony aunt and real-life big sister to five smart, stylish, stunning twenty-somethings. In How to Be a Grown-Up, she dispenses all the emotional and practical advice you need to negotiate a difficult decade.
Covering everything from how to become more successful and confident at work, how to feel pride in yourself without needing validation from others, how to turn rivals into mentors, and how to really enjoy spending time on your own, this is a warm, kind, funny voice in the dark saying ‘Honestly don’t worry, you’re doing your best and you’re amazing!’
Interviewing Daisy will be writer Cathy Rentzenbrink.
Sponsors for 2017:
This year’s festival is run in association with:
www.jerseyfestivalofwords.org
Festival Founders:Nancy FreemanChris BrightJennifer BridgeRoy McCarthy Parish of St Helier
Jurat Collette CrillRobert Harman, Notary Public Dickinson Gleeson Advocates7.45 Breakfast ClubChannel Island Features Ltd
DICKINSON GLEESON
