Appledore Book Festival 2023 line-up announced

The Appledore Book Festival is delighted to announce the initial line-up for the 2023 festival which will run between 15-24 September.

Jeremy Bowen, International Editor at BBC News, will be discussing the Middle East and reporting from the front line; former BBC Breakfast presenter, Louise Minchin will be bringing tales of fearless women from around the world; football legend, Martin O’Neill tells the story of his remarkable career, while historian Alison Weir will present a new take on Henry VIII.

Top crime writers Val McDermid and Ann Cleeves, and novelist Alexander McCall Smith will all be appearing, as will bestselling contemporary fiction writers, Deborah Moggach, Tony Parsons and Amanda Prowse, and Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho. Watergate Bay chef, Emily Scott, will be bringing stories and recipes from her coastal kitchen; while leading oceanographer, Helen Czerski, will be explaining how the ocean works.

The Countess of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle, (otherwise known as TV’s Downton Abbey), will be revealing new details from the family archives on the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb; while Devon resident, former Royal Marines Major, Scotty Mills, will be sharing his 12 commando rules for life.

Other Devon residents taking part include: Alex Dowson on the early years of Alexander the Great; poet and nature writer, Elizabeth Jane Burnett; Oscar-winning Tolkien illustrator, Alan Lee; wine writer, Susy Atkins: and the Chivenor Military Ladies Choir.

Festival Director, Jane Beaton said: “I’m delighted to share the line-up of authors that we have secured to appear at the festival so far. Even more names will be added in the coming weeks – with announcements being made on our social media platforms and website. Alongside the main events, an incredible array of fringe events, to suit all ages, have been organised including a free fun-filled family day and much more.”

Tickets for this year’s festival will be on sale from the following dates:

• Applefactors' priority booking from Saturday 15 July
• Friends' priority booking from Saturday 22 July
• General public booking from Saturday 29 July

To keep up to date with the events at this year’s Appledore Book Festival, and to book tickets, visit the official website www.appledorebookfestival.co.uk.