Travel Writing Festival Information

April 14th - 16th 2023

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Curated by Rory MacLean

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These last years have brought dramatic changes to our lives: Brexit, Covid lockdowns, soaring energy costs, climate change and the largest, most brutal war in Europe since 1945. While our horizons have drawn in, travel writers have continued to reach out, rediscovering and reinterpreting the world for a new age. 

Ten of the UK’s finest travel writers are coming to Sherborne to transport readers, listeners, armchair and intrepid travellers alike towards the four corners of the globe. 
 

At its heart is the idea – and the timely theme – of reaching for the horizon. 

To propel the journey, a stellar lineup of top writers will take to the stage at the Powell Theatre.

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Across the weekend Colin Thubron, Jay Griffiths, Tharik Hussein, Sara Wheeler, John Gimlette, Sophy Roberts, Justin Marozzi, Philip Marsden, John Blashford-Snell, Demi Anter and Rory MacLean  will transport people across the world.  

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Friday 14th April

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17:00 – 18.00 John Gimlette - The Gardens of Mars: Madagascar, an Island Story

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19:00 – 20.00 Sophy Roberts - The Lost Pianos of Siberia - Limited Tickets available

 

Saturday 15th April

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11:30 – 12.30 Philip Marsden - The Summer Isles, A Voyage of the Imagination

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12.30 – 14:00 Tea with the Authors

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14:00 - 15:00 Tharik Hussain - Minarets in the Mountains

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15:30 – 16.30 Justin Marozzi  - The Arab Conquests

 

17:00 – 18.00 Sara Wheeler - Glowing Still

 

19:00 -20.00 Colin Thubron  - The Amur River - SOLD OUT

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Sunday 16th April

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11:30 – 12.30 John Blashford-Snell  - From Utmost East to Utmost West

 

12.30 – 14:00 Tea with the Authors

  

14:00 – 15.00 Rory MacLean & Demi Anter  - Bowie in Berlin

 

15:30 – 16.30 Jay Griffiths - Elemental Journeys