Prize-winning novelist and leading scientist to headline this month’s Heywood Literary Festival

Tickets are still available for The Heywood Literary Festival on October 18th and 19th. The festival kicks off with the inaugural Youth Speaks competition, which focuses on giving confidence to young people of the area to learn vital public speaking skills. 

Beyond that, the weekend features an impressive lineup including world-renowned science writer Richard Dawkins and Booker Prize-winning novelist Samantha Harvey, plus fascinating talks on corruption, prisons, women in history, handwriting analysis, and medieval churches.

“Offering intimate talks with some of the biggest names in literature, science, and journalism, the festival presents an impressive breadth of topics designed to stimulate and engage every attendee,” said organiser Ryan Child.

Headlining Speakers and Key Talks

The festival boasts a diverse and thought-provoking programme. Headlining the Saturday show is one of the world’s most influential science writers, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins. His talk will explore the core themes of his celebrated and thought-provoking work, The Genetic Book of the Dead, delving into the deepest principles of evolutionary biology and what the past can reveal about life itself.

Attendees can expect a detailed and challenging exploration of genetics and natural selection from a master of the subject.

Headlining the Sunday programme is novelist Samantha Harvey, a Senior Lecturer at Bath Spa University. She will be in conversation about her novel, Orbital, a lyrical and critically acclaimed work that recently secured the 2024 Booker Prize.

The book offers a unique perspective on hope and humanity as seen from the isolating yet beautiful vantage point of the International Space Station.

Spotlight on Current Events and History

Award-winning journalist and former Independent Editor Chris Blackhurst brings his charismatic speaking style to the festival to discuss his “corruption classic,” Too Big To Jail: HSBC and the Banking Scandal of the Century.

Blackhurst will reveal the full story behind the global scandal, examining the fallout and the complex issues created for both HSBC and the notorious Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico.

For a sobering look at one of the most hidden parts of British society, Gen Glaister will provide an unvarnished, inside story of her work in the prison system in her talk on The Prison Officer – The Inside Story of Life Behind Bars. Lauded by Rory Stewart, Gen’s account offers deep and lasting insight into the challenges and realities of life behind the bars of a British correctional facility.

Culture and Untold Stories

Starting the festival on a upbeat note is Andrew Ziminski, a master stonemason and celebrated author. His talk will focus on Church Going – A Stonemason’s Guide to the Churches of the British Isles.

“This highly praised book offers a joyous and illuminating exploration of the Medieval Churches of the British Isles, seen through the expert eyes of the craftsman who restores them,” said Ryan.

The programme also features an intriguing panel on The Hand of History: Women of Courage and Character. This session brings together Frome Writers’ Collective authors Frances Liardet (We Must Be Brave) and historian Felice Hardy (The Tennis Champion Who Escaped the Nazis) with graphologist Emma Bach. They will explore untold stories from the WWII era, with Emma delving into the two books before assessing the handwriting of the non-fiction characters from Felice’s book and characters similar to those in Frances’ from WW2. Emma has recently garnered viral attention for her analysis of public figures’ handwriting, having appeared on news organisations across the world, including Sky News.

“Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with these leading figures and fascinating topics,” added Ryan. “Book your tickets now!”