News Mayor launches Maidstone LitFest 2024
The Mayor, Cllr John Perry, officially launched the Maidstone Literary Festival 2024 this week, on Tuesday 24 September.
The event held in the stunning Maidstone Museum, saw the Mayor cut the ‘cake’ and welcome everyone to the LitFest saying:
As a lover of books, I was really pleased to be invited to officially open this year’s Maidstone Literary Festival.It is only a few days before the first event of the festival and with a wonderful programme of events it promises to be even bigger and better than last year. The Council is delighted to be able to support projects such as this and give it the seed funding to grow into a legacy for our county town.
Funded by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), the 2024 LitFest is following the hugely success of the inaugural event last year and brings best-selling authors to the town including Gyles Brandreth, Maria McErlane, Gill Hornby and Tim Weaver. The full programme of events also sees a workshop dedicated to poetry lovers, featuring Dorothy Lehane and another focusing on AI with expert Tony Boobier looking at ‘What Lies Ahead.’
Maidstone LitFest 2024 gives everyone a chance to celebrate literature, keep the love of books alive and discover new writers, as well as meeting old favourites and best-selling authors. The festival takes place in venues across Maidstone town centre including the beautiful Maidstone Museum, the iconic Town Hall, All Saints Church, Waterstones, and The Kent History and Library Centre.
MBC Leader, Cllr Stuart Jeffery added:
The Council is very proud to bring the Maidstone LitFest back for a second year with a wider offer of events, including best-selling authors as well as local writers and poets. All of the children’s events are free to attend and we hope to see larger audiences enjoying the programme.
New for 2024 is a Festival Family Fun Day at Lockmeadow Leisure Complex on Sunday 6 October, featuring children’s entertainment, arts and crafts, family fun and the return of the local writers’ showcase. The team at One Maidstone and MaidStory are also sponsoring a Book Worm hunt through the town centre, with prizes being awarded at Lockmeadow during the Fun Day.
Becky Grace, Maidstone LitFest Co-Director said:
It is such a joy collaborating with so many different groups, schools, sponsors and supporters in Maidstone. So many people have contributed to bringing this festival to the town – it is a real community event.
To see the full festival programme and book tickets please go to the Visit Maidstone website: https://www.visitmaidstone.com/whats-on/maidstone-litfest