The literary celebration in Cuckfield is preparing to commemorate its first decade with an extensive schedule featuring multiple genres including fiction, historical works, political discourse and crime writing.
The West Sussex village will host the three-day Cuckfield Bookfest from October 2 through 4, with an additional standalone evening scheduled for October 14 featuring acclaimed actress and television personality Celia Imrie.
Sheila Mortimer, who serves as the festival’s programming director, outlined the significance of the milestone event, noting that the anniversary programme brings together prominent contemporary authors spanning fiction, historical analysis, political commentary, crime narratives, nature writing and biographical works.
The curation aims to deliver something relevant to diverse reader interests, with particular excitement surrounding the special appearance by Celia Imrie as a centrepiece of the anniversary celebrations.
Former health secretary Sir Jeremy Hunt will commence proceedings on the opening Friday at Ockenden Manor, presenting his recent publication examining economic prosperity and its attainability.
The historical and political segment includes Alwyn Turner’s exploration of interwar Britain through the lens of national trauma, while Paul O’Keeffe will provide detailed analysis of the Battle of Trafalgar from an eyewitness perspective.
Investigative writer Oliver Bullough will present his examination of international financial corruption and the mechanisms of money laundering across global economies.
Catherine Mayer’s contribution will analyse the experiences of royal women throughout history through a framework of division and conquest.
Nutrition scientist Tim Spector, whose background includes co-founding the ZOE health platform, will address the audience on Saturday with discussion of fermented foods and microbiome research.
Culinary figure Prue Leith will conclude the day’s programming with candid observations on growing older and subjects typically considered inappropriate for public discussion.
Sunday’s opening will feature paleontologist Steve Brusatte discussing his latest work tracing avian evolution.
Younger audiences are catered for through dedicated children’s programming involving Anne Brusatte, Matt Newnham, Eilish Fisher and Jessie Burton.
The crime writing strand showcases Abir Mukherjee, Andrew Hunter Murray, Louisa Treger and Lottie Moggach.
Additional non-fiction offerings comprise Juliet Nicolson’s contribution on prophetic texts, Stephen McGinty’s morning chronicle, alongside nature writing from Harriet Rix and Richard Negus.
Further author appearances include Patrick Gale, Alexander Larman, Damian Barr, Kate Mosse and the collaborative pairing of Greg and Felix Mosse.
The festival operates predominantly through voluntary contributions and receives backing from community businesses, private supporters and dedicated festival patrons.