Below you will find a summary of this year’s speakers whose events are available to book now.
Check out our What’s On pages for more info or view our full programme here.
Cornish native Fliss Freeborn, now a Glasgow-based food writer, joins our Saturday Brunch Session panel. She's BBC R4's The Kitchen Cabinet's youngest panelist, winner of Fortnum and Mason's 2023 Cookery Writer Award, and author of "Do Yourself a Flavour." Catch her insightful take on thrifty cooking and culinary adventures.
Bill Buckley, a seasoned journalist and TV presenter, brings a wealth of experience to the table. From anchoring BBC's "That's Life!" to culinary adventures, he's a versatile writer, food critic, and judge. Don't miss his engaging talk as our after-dinner speaker on Saturday evening at Redruth Book Feast.
Bodmin-raised writer Jodie Matthews, known for her captivating debut novel "Meet Me At The Surface," brings a blend of horror and mystery to the windswept Cornish moors. Shortlisted for prestigious awards, she's gaining momentum with her growing followers. Join her engaging conversation with Emily Barr on Saturday afternoon.
Renowned chef and author Orlando Murrin leads our Saturday Brunch Session, delving into sustainable food. Later, join him and Tim Hubbard as they discuss Orlando's debut novel, "Knife Skills For Beginners." From MasterChef semi-finalist to editing top culinary publications, Orlando's culinary journey is captivating. Join us for culinary enlightenment and engaging discourse.
Cornish native Sasha Swire, a former journalist and political researcher, embarked on a transformative journey along the Southwest Coast Path, chronicled in her debut book "Edgeland." Join her in conversation with Tim Hannigan on Saturday morning as she delves into the captivating narrative of resilience and nature along the coastline.
Sophie Pierce, author of "The Green Hill: Letters to a Son," shares her poignant journey through grief and healing in conversation with Sarah Connors on Sunday morning. Her memoir, composed amidst walks near her son's grave, celebrates the profound connection between nature and our emotions.
Penzance-born Tim Hannigan's journey from chef to writer reveals his multifaceted career. His latest book, "The Granite Kingdom," delves into Cornwall's mystique through a captivating narrative. Award-winning author of historical narratives, he explores diverse subjects like the Hindu Kush and Bali. Catch him with Sasha Swire on Saturday and in our panel discussion on Sunday.
Gillian, born in Kenya and raised in Vienna, is a Bristol University Biology graduate turned BBC Natural History Unit researcher. With stints as a producer, director, and presenter on Animal Planet and BBC's Springwatch series, she now hosts the thought-provoking podcast "If I Ruled the World." Join her on Sunday's panel discussion.
Tim Hubbard, renowned BBC Radio Cornwall personality, transitioned from teaching to journalism, winning prestigious awards. His latest book, "Secret Gardens of Cornwall," explores hidden treasures. Join his Sunday morning session as he reveals these exclusive sanctuaries, possibly in conversation with a secret garden's Head Gardener, promising an insightful discussion.
Lucy, former Waterstones bookseller turned acclaimed writer, resides in Devon. With five novels to her name, including the bestselling "Sistersong," she's a finalist for prestigious awards. Her latest work, "Song of the Huntress," promises more historical fantasy. Catch her in conversation with Becca Mordan on Friday evening.
Graham Harvey, renowned scriptwriter for The Archers, unveils behind-the-scenes insights in his latest book, "Underneath the Archers." Delve into key moments intertwined with personal reflections and script excerpts. A seasoned writer across various publications, Graham's work highlights sustainable farming issues. He joins our Saturday brunch panel for illuminating discussions.
Rebecca founded Scary Little Girls in 2002, a radical feminist theatre company. Her Greenham Women Everywhere project revived cultural interest in the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp. As a prolific writer, she's contributed to BBC programs and authored "Out of the Darkness." Catch her on Friday with Lucy Holland & hosting the Literary Salon.
Craig Barr-Green, versatile author, pens picture books, non-fiction, and children's theater, with "Gina Kaminski Saves The Wolf" as his latest venture. In 2023, he adapted "A Christmas in Cornwall" into the theatrical production "Nadelik," and curated "Arthur’s Club," an interactive show promoting inclusivity through storytelling and key word signing. As a lecturer at Falmouth University,…
Justyn Edwards' debut novel, "The Great Fox Illusion," achieved acclaim as Blackwell’s Children’s Book of the Month in 2022, earning recognition from Waterstones and Toppsta. Winner of the Kernow Youth Book Award it's being translated into multiple languages with the third installment of the Great Fox series on the way.
Emily Barr, acclaimed author, embarked on a world journey inspiring her debut novel "Backpack," winning the WH Smith New Talent Award. With eighteen novels under her belt, including award-winning YA titles, she's a seasoned creative writing mentor. Join her insightful conversation with Jodie Matthews on Saturday afternoon.
Philip Marsden, acclaimed author of travel, fiction, and non-fiction, delves into the essence of place with award-winning works like "Rising Ground." His latest book, "Under a Metal Sky," explores minerals and mysticism. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, he brings his insights to our Sunday morning panel discussion.
Rebecca Cobb's childhood was filled with creativity in Buckinghamshire and Somerset. Graduating from Falmouth College of Arts, she settled in the town as an author and illustrator. Her talent was recognized with the 2013 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Picture Books, and a Kate Greenaway Medal nomination.
Former primary school teacher Sarah embarked on a fulfilling journey as a playwright in 2019. Shortlisted for esteemed awards, she participated in the Bush Theatre's Sphinx 30 Lab, supporting women playwrights. Her debut play, "Tre," staged in Cornwall, garnered acclaim. Join her engaging conversation with Sophie Pierce at this year's Book Feast.
Local legends Shaun and Pete, known as The Bearded Farmers, defy conventional farming methods on their windswept hilltop farm near Redruth. Their ethically produced meat and eggs, available in their farm shop and local markets, embody quality and community integration. They'll be part of our Saturday morning brunch panel.
Julian German, Independent Cornwall Councillor for the Roseland, boasts an impressive portfolio, from Arts Council England South West Board membership to chairing the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site Partnership Board. As Council Leader since 2019, he brings extensive experience to chair our panel discussion on Cornwall's identity and landscape.