Festival of literary debate prepares for its fifth year

OCTOBER will bring an international line-up of current writers and thinkers to an historic Berkshire stately home.

Seated within 400 acres of greenery, Beautiful Cliveden House has inspired writers and thinkers for centuries.

18th Century English poet Alexander Pope described it as ‘the bower of wanton Shrewsbury and love’.

He was referring to the fact that the Duke of Buckingham had built the house as a love monument to his mistress, the Countess of Shrewsbury.

The house is no stranger to drama and debate.

This year the return of Cliveden Literary Festival will bring plenty of opportunities for lively discussion, nnovative ideas, and political debate.

Run by a committee of four award-winning writers: Andrew Roberts, Natalie Livingstone, Catherine Ostler and Simon Sebag Montefiore, the event enters its fifth year.

It has proved to be very popular, with an impressive lineup of speakers, and sell-out talks.

Previous contributors include: Niall Ferguson, Alain de Botton, Sir Simon Schama, Lady Antonia Fraser, David Baddiel, Michael Gove, Priti Patel, Emily Maitlis, Ben Okri, Professor Brian Cox and Hanif Kureishi.

Ian McEwan has described it as: “Probably the world’s best small literary festival.”

For Alain de Botton it is, “The most dignified and beautiful literary festival on the planet.”

Natalie Livingstone, Chairman of the Cliveden Literary Festival, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming book lovers to the Cliveden Literary Festival.

“Cliveden House has been a sanctuary for lovers of literature and lively discussion for more than 350 years.

“The Cliveden Literary Festival 2022 will continue that stellar cultural history.”

The event will run on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16.

This year’s speakers are yet to be confirmed. ■ For festival updates follow @ ClivedenLitFest on Twitter and #ClivedenLitFest on Twitter and Instagram. ■ For information about the festival visit: www. clivedenliteraryfestival.org ■ For information about Cliveden house, log onto: www. clivedenhouse.co.uk