Barnsbury book festival has released its star-studded line up of speakers including Liza Marshall, producer of Oscar-winning film Hamnet, and Hollywood actor Robert Delaney.
Between 17 and 19 April, St Andrew’s Church in Thornhill Square, Barnsbury, will host a range of events celebrating books, fiction and non-fiction alike.
Marshall will discuss how she transformed the historical drama novel into a screen sensation. Delaney, creator of BAFTA-winning show Catastrophe, will discuss his memoir, A Heart That Works.
All proceeds will be donated towards the refurbishment of St Andrew’s Church’s spire. The building is not only a working church but also a community hub. These repairs will ensure the church can carry on this role.
Beyond the guest speakers, library inductions for children, film nights, book writing surgeries, and even a disco are on offer to visitors. Events will extend to other local venues including the Jean Stokes Community Centre, Islington West Library and Rival Boxing Gym.
The initiative has been organised by local book enthusiasts Anna Flongman and Phyllis Richardson. “I really enjoy the atmosphere and the excitement of ideas that you get from book festivals so?I thought it would be fantastic to have here in Barnsbury,” said Flongman.
She added: “I hope the event will encourage people to think about reading more books and that it’s fun to do so. It’s a great way of socialising as well.”
Ella is an MA Newspaper Journalism student at City St George's university. She also works as a news reporter for Pharmafile, a health and pharmaceutical magazine.