National treasure John joins Festival
COUNTRYFILE presenter John Craven is heading to Rochdale for the Literature & Ideas Festival.
He will talk about his recently published autobiography, ‘Headlines and Hedgerows,’ which recounts the highs and lows of one of the longest broadcast careers in history, as well as the people, family and animals in his life that have shaped it.
He became a household name after presenting and editing the hugely popular John Craven’s Newsround for nearly two decades.
John, who received an OBE in the millennium honours list, then reached new audiences by hosting the hugely popular BBC1 series Countryfile for almost three decades.
His other television credits include Swap Shop, Castles in the Country, Songs of Praise, Beat The Brain and Heritage Heroes.
Festival organisers say that his talk at Rochdale Sixth Form College Theatre ‘promises to be a fascinating insight into the remarkable life and career memories of one of the all-time greats.’
John joins feel-good fiction writer Milly Johnson, Gogglebox star and broadcaster Reverend Kate Bottley, children’s author and television presenter Konnie Huq, author and activist Erin Ekins, international bestselling crime author and poet Sophie Hannah, popular children’s authors Harry Heape and Hannah Lee, as well as award-winning illustrator Olivia Lomenech Gill as the big names already signed up.
Tickets are now on sale, with up to 25pc off until 4pm on Tuesday, August 27. Visitors can also book and collect tickets in person from Touchstones in Rochdale.
Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture said: “We’re proud of this year’s line-up and much loved broadcaster John Craven is an exciting addition.
“Our early bird offer is already proving popular, so please do book early – we have hundreds of tickets reduced until 27 August, making us one of the most affordable literature festivals, too.”
This year’s festival, organised by the council, includes more than 30 events across 10 venues from October 14 to 21. They will cover drama, comedy, poetry, spoken word, visual arts and children’s shows.
For young people aged 14 to 25, there will also be a programme of events covering arts, culture and politics relevant to Generation Z. For the full line-up and to book early bird tickets visit www. rochdaleliterature festival.co.ukw