The Guernsey Literary Festival returns once more from Monday 21st April to Sunday 4th May, bringing some of the greatest writers, speakers and thinkers to our island. Whether you’re into literature, sport, cuisine, history or the environment, the Festival guarantees there will be something for you. Over the years the festival has become more prestigious and popular, becoming an island festival that Guernsey residents make sure to pencil into their calendar.
This year the festival boasts over 50 events including an open mic night and an international poetry competition. Although many are already booked out, don’t worry there’s plenty more on offer for locals and visitors alike, including exciting talks, workshops and performances. The Guernsey literary Festival is an event you won’t want to miss, so have a read of the upcoming events and speakers to see if one or more takes your fancy…
Jenny O’Brien - The Book of Lost Children
Saturday 26th April, Guille-Alles Library 11am to 12pm
Long time nurse Jenny was born in Dublin Ireland before moving to Guernsey. She has twenty years of writing experience, penning complex thrillers and heart breaking historical fiction novels. In this talk, Jenny uncovers the history of Guernsey during WWII with her latest novel, The Book of Lost Children.
Her book is inspired by true events and follows the story of a nurse who risks everything to protect babies from the occupying forces. Decades later, a hidden family secret is uncovered in Dublin, triggering a chain of events, changing lives forever.
Sam McAlister - The BBC’s Most Shocking Interviews, from Steven Seagal to Prince Andrew
Saturday 26th April, St James 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Television producer, criminal barrister and author Sam McAlister was born in Guildford England and has become known for securing a BBC interview with Prince Andrew in 2019. This interview gained global attention and strong criticism causing The Duke to resign from all public roles.
The talk Sam brings to the Literary Festival focuses on the memoir Scoops published in 2021; in 2024 Scoops was adapted into a film. Scoops was responsible for hundreds of Newsnight's exclusives and Sam will give you all a backstage pass to the most unforgettable journalism of our time.
Tony Gallienne - Guernsey, How We Live Together
Monday 28th April, Guille-Alles Library 1pm to 2pm
Tony’s book takes a contemporary look into the state of Guernsey, viewing the social and economic issues in a historical framework within a social contract framework. The idea of social contract focuses on how, as an island community, we support one another, what we owe to one another and what we are owed in return.
So that together, we can each live as good of a life as possible on Guernsey. The talk will be discussing the topics and subjects within Tony’s book Guernsey, How We Live Together for any individuals wanting to reserve a space at this event.
Richard Graham - At the Emperor's Pleasure, A True Love Story Set in the Far East at War
Tuesday 29th April, Guille-Alles Library 1pm to 2pm
Richard’s talk will be discussing his novel At the Emperor's Pleasure, A True Love Story Set in The Far East at War, due to be released on the 31st March 2025. This book tells the story of young couple Christopher and Topsy Man through the battle for Hong Kong and four years of inhumane captivity under the Japanese. Richard writes a compelling and moving story of the young couple’s lives being broken apart by world events in 1941.
Anushka Asthana - Taken as Red, How Labour Won Big and the Tories Crashed the Party
Tuesday 29th April, St Pierre Park 6pm to 7pm
British journalist and television presenter Anushka discusses her book Taken as Red, taking us behind the scenes of the 2024 general election campaign. Anushka is currently Deputy Political Editor of ITV News and co presenter of Peston.
Her book reveals the calculated gambles and innovative strategies at play, as well as the people behind them. So if you’re looking to learn more about the UK’s political landscape this event might be for you.
Roxanne de Bastion - The Piano Player of Budapest, A True Story of Survival, Music and Hope
Tuesday 29th April, St James 7.30pm to 9.30pm
London based singer and songwriter Roxanne will be discussing her first novel The Piano Player of Budapest in this talk. This book brings a Holocaust survivor’s music back to life as Roxanne shares the story of her grandfather Stephen and his piano.
The talk will be followed by a live performance of her grandfather’s work with acclaimed pianist Xenia Pestova Bennett. For any of you interested in a musical performance of hope and light encased in history, this event will fit you perfectly.
Adam Frost - For the Love of Plants, Over 150 Plants to Bring Joy to Your Garden and Your Life
Wednesday 30th April, St Pierre Park 2.30pm to 4.30pm
British horticulturalist, garden designer and Gardener’s World presenter Adam Frost will be making an appearance at the Literary Festival. Unfortunately, there are no more tickets available, but for those of you who have managed to get yourself a spot at the talk, you can enjoy tea, coffee, cake and a plant sale.
This event is followed by a garden experts panel involving Adam, Raymond Evison of Guernsey Clematis and Sasha Marsh from The Soil Farm. Adam will be reflecting on plants that have shaped his life, explaining his designs and planting choices which are drawn from personal feelings, memories and years of garden experience.
Jonnie Peacock - You Can Do Anything!
Wednesday 30th April, St Pierre Park 5.30pm to 6.30pm
British double paralympic sprint champion Jonnie Peacock competed in the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics where he represented Great Britain in the men’s 100 metres event. Jonnie was also the first disabled contestant to compete in the main Strictly Come Dancing show in 2017.
During Jonnie's event this year, he will share his experiences and offer you all inspiration, urging you to chase your dreams and become unstoppable. He will build your confidence with this talk so you can believe in overcoming anything and achieving what you want, regardless of what you believe your abilities to be.
Jordan Stephens - Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs
Thursday 1st May, Les Cotils 7pm to 8pm
Best known from the British hip hop duo, the Rizzle Kicks, Jordan Stephens is a musician, writer and performer. In this talk, Jordan discusses his Sunday Times Bestseller book Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs, published in 2024. Jordan explores the fallout from fame, opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD as a child and discusses what it means to be a modern man.
Jordan has been publicly open with his personal mental health struggles, being active in creating awareness around the stigma. His online mental health campaign #IAMWHOLE reached over 120 million individuals and was mentioned in the Houses of Parliament.
Tom Kerridge - The BBQ Book
Thursday 1st May, St James 8.30pm to 9.30pm
Tom first attended culinary school when he was eighteen years old and had his first role in the professional kitchen in 1991. The BBQ Book is Tom’s latest work and will bring you the best recipes for every backyard barbecue. Unfortunately, all the tickets to this event are sold out but, for those of you who have managed to reserve a space, get ready to learn the art of the barbecue.
The talk will discuss smoky charred veggies to mouthwatering marinated meats, teaching you how to meal plan like a pro and elevate classics like hot dogs, allowing you to become a barbecue expert.
Tony Juniper CBE - Just Earth, How a Fairer World will Save the Planet
Friday 2nd May, St Pierre Park 1pm to 2pm
Anthony Juniper is a British campaigner, writer, sustainability advisor and environmentalist who, in 2019, was elected chairman of Natural England. Anthony believes that we cannot fight climate change and the natural crisis without addressing the widening gap between the poor and rich.
He is a former director of Friends on Earth and his book Just Earth, How a Fairer World Will Save the Planet will be discussed in his talk, which contains forty years of experience, research, campaigning and advocacy.
Dapo Adeola - We’re Going to Find the Monster!
Saturday 3rd May, Guille-Alles Library 10am to 11am
Waterstones Children’s Book Prize winner Dapo Adeola will be coming to the island and invites youngsters to join him in a storytelling and live drawing event. Dapo is a British Nigerian children’s illustrator and has been a talented illustrator since a young age. In 2019, Dapo met actor Nathan Bryon, and the pair began writing children’s books together.
This event will include a read along of the children’s book We’re Going to Find the Monster! illustrated by Dapo and written by Malorie Blackman. There will be a short quiz, a monster drawing workshop, and a question and answer session, so grab your pencils and join Dapo this year.
Dawn O’Porter - Honeybee
Saturday 3rd May, St James 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Dawn O’Porter, born in Scotland and raised on Guernsey is a writer, director and television presenter. She returns to the island to talk about her most recent work Honeybee, published last year in September. A few other works by Dawn you might be familiar with include bestsellers Cat Lady and So Lucky; she has also presented various television programmes.
Honeybee is set against the backdrop of Guernsey, and is a follow-up to Dawn's Paper Aeroplanes series, as childhood best friends, Renee and Flo, return home and reconnect. They carry you through a story of womanhood, friendship and the navigation of early adulthood. When life stings, we all need a wingwoman.
Susie Chan - Trails and Tribulations, The Running Adventures of Susie Chan
Sunday 4th May, Les Cotils 11am to 12pm
Endurance runner and Peloton instructor Susie Chan has competed in some of the world’s toughest ultra-marathons and set the 12-hour treadmill world record. Her book published last year Trails and Tribulations, The Running Adventures of Susie Chan will be discussed at the event.
Susie started running at 35 years old and her story is one of inspiration and endurance, leaving a dysfunctional marriage, being a single mother and handling cancer treatment. Throughout all this, running has helped her keep going. If you need a little more motivation to complete that run, take a step into Susie’s event.
Clare Mackintosh and Asia Mackay - Crime Panel
Sunday 4th May, Guille-Alles Library 12pm to 1pm
For any of you interested in the world of crime novels, this panel is for you; Clare Mackintosh and Asia Mackay will explore the art of crime writing. The panel will cover topics including creating compelling characters, plotting twists, and keeping readers hooked. Former police officer turned writer Clare has written books that have captured the attention of readers worldwide.
Her debut novel I Let You Go won numerous awards for crime fiction. In this panel, she will be discussing her latest work Other People’s Houses. Asia will be talking alongside Clare about her novel A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage, so, if you're a keen crime reader, this event is for you.
The Guernsey Literary Festival is coming back to the island with renewed enthusiasm and gives everyone an incredible opportunity to discover and reconnect with a variety of interests. This is only a small taste of what’s to come at the Literary Festival this year so be sure to book your tickets soon to avoid missing out. There is always something for everyone and this year's event is no exception.
