This Friday 5th October marks the start of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival. Running until 14th October, the festival is now in its 69th edition, and promises to be as mentally stimulating as ever.

This year’s intriguing theme is “East Meets West”. From the novels of Murakami to the story of the Kimono, the Terracotta Army to the Silk Road, from porcelain to Confucius, sushi to chinoiserie and Pokémon to Studio Ghibli, the theme will explore the culture and history of the Far East, in particular Japan and China. Events woven throughout this year’s programme will examine the unique histories, contemporary societies, belief systems and creative output of these two countries, as well as their relations with each other and with the rest of the world.

Also, in the Festival’s first ever podcast-in-residence, Lenny Henry has been announced as special guest for Mostly Lit Live, taking place on Sunday 14 October at 4pm. Named by The Guardian and the BBC as one of 2017’s top podcasts, Mostly Lit is an award-winning books and pop-culture podcast.

For tickets and more information, visit the festival’s website here:

https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/