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, Anthony Sattin, Sara Wheeler, John Gimlette, Sophy Roberts, Justin Marozzi, Philip Marsden, John Blashford-Snell, Demi Anter and Rory MacLean  will transport people across the world.  

 

'Around the World in £80' Weekend Festival Ticket holders will also be invited to

Tea with the Authors on Saturday and Sunday.

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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

 

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

 

14:00 – 15.00 Anthony Sattin – Nomads, The Wanderers that Shaped our World

 

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

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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