Keswick Book Festival

I was up bright and early, arriving in Keswick at 1015. I was able to check in early to the lovely Sunnyside Guest House and walk the 10 minutes to the Theatre by the Lame.

It’s quite chilly here.

I bought a coffee and was scooped up by two delightful women. One had been a dentist in Cockermouth and the other a solicitor (training when you could do it through articles.) the conversation was lively.

First up was Sinclair McKay on his book Saint Petersburg. He put the city I context historically and culturally, before describing the Siege of Leningrad I WWII. It was fascinating, particularly the part about the first performance of Shostakovich’s 7th symphony.

I had a sandwich and soup with a man I had been chatting to in the queue. He had asked the author about the physical state of the orchestra who gave the first performance. It is amazing that any of them could perform.

After lunch it was Luke Pepera (in my blip) who talked about African culture and identity. I found this very interesting and bought the book. Sadly there was a low attendance for his talk - people missed out.

Will Hutton was third of the day. It was hard to hear all her was saying. I think the guy in sound should wear ear plugs so that he increases the volume slightly! A woman behind me kept asking her husband for words she had missed.

The theatre was nearly full. He gave a wide ranging left wing view of modern day Britain. Very good it was too. I like his idea that we need “fellowship” in our communities so that we support each other.

I had a break and missed the fourth talk, returning via an Italian restaurant to hear Natalie Haynes give a stand up performance called “Why do Goddesses matter”. The theatre was packed.

I met the young woman who will be sitting beside me for most of the festival and we got on well.

Last, but not least, I met another Wild Rambler, Sarah. We will be walking together in Knaresborough in a few weeks time. I hate doing selfies but we had to!