Leading authors on way to Appledore
The North Devon book festival is lining up impressive cast of writers as it strives to thrive this year despite ongoing challenges of coronavirus pandemic
PLANS for the 2021 Appledore Book Festival are well underway, with some of the world’s most famous authors, presenters, broadcasters, actors, and comedians now booked.
This year’s line-up so far includes the author, presenter, musician and vicar, the Reverend Richard Coles; author, BBC Radio 2 and TV presenter Sara Cox; fashion guru, TV presenter and author Susannah Constantine; politician Lord Oates; writer, actor and comedian Tim Vine; crime writer, and author of TV hit series Vera and Shetland, Ann Cleaves; international best-selling author Kate Mosse; doctor and broadcaster Sarah Jarvis; and novelist Gill Hornby already secured.
Festival organisers said: “With Covid-19 still a presence in all of our lives, and the uncertainty of what September might bring in terms of socially distancing, the Festival team is working hard to create a safe festival for all. The feedback we received from Festival Friends, the community, authors and regular festival supporters for last year’s drive-in festival was amazing, and so this year we are looking to create an exciting and memorable ten-day festival which will be both indoors and outdoors.”
This year’s festival will run from September 16 to 25, kicking off with a four-day drive-in or ‘big top’ marquee style festival at Skern Lodge, followed by a further sixday festival housed in venues in the Devon village of Appledore.
“The beauty of this two-pronged approach means the Festival can still hold larger audiences, at Skern Lodge, if social distancing is required. The organisers’ top priority is to make sure festival-goers feel safe and confident in attending this beloved book festival,” a spokesperson said.
Festival director Ann Juby said: “We are thrilled to announce our first headliners, and we know our friends and supporters will come together to make this year’s Festival a success, allowing us once again to welcome such a rich mix of world-renowned authors, presenters, broadcasters, actors, and comedians right here in Appledore.”
Despite last year’s drive-in festival being hailed a success, many regular supporters were unable to attend due to the pandemic, and, as with many charities, the pandemic has hit the event hard financially.
It is with this in mind that organisers are seeking support and are asking for a small donation towards the financing and running of this year’s festival. If anyone is able to donate, then visit the crowdfunding page at VirginMoneyGiving. You can donate using the website link https://uk. virginmoneygiving.com/giving/ by searching the charities section for ‘The Appledore Book Festival’.
Alternatively, another way to support the festival is to become a Friend. Organisers are asking existing Friends to renew their membership, as well as encouraging new Friends to join. Being a member costs £20 for the year and gives priority booking for this year’s events.
To become a new member or to renew, go to www.appledorebookfestival.co.uk