Flamstead Book Festival returns with a bang

Jane Hawking pictured at her Cambridge home [Picture: Masons Agency] (Image: (c) MMP Cambridge 01223 224401)

The festival will be held on Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 in the historic setting of St Leonard’s Church in the centre of the Hertfordshire village.

Jane, who was brought up in St Albans, was Stephen Hawking’s wife for 25 years and penned Travelling to Infinity, which was adapted for this year’s Oscar-winning film The Theory of Everything.

In one of her few public appearances this year she will talk about her moving account of love and loss with the celebrated scientist – who she first met in St Albans – as well as what it was like for her marriage to be played out on film by actors Felicity Jones and Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne.

The festival kicks off on Friday evening with thriller writer Sophie Hannah whose novels have been adapted for ITV’s Case Sensitive drama.

Sophie Hannah will be appearing at the Flamstead Book Festival [Picture: Phillippa Gedge Photography] (Image: PHILIPPA GEDGE PHOTOGRAPHY)

Her most recent work – The Monogram Murders – is the first Hercule Poirot novel since Agatha Christie’s death, having been specially approved by the renowned crime writer’s estate.

It is now out in paperback in time for Books in the Belfry.

Festival spokesman and Flamstead resident Vikki Orvice said: “We’re excited about the line-up and hope as many people as possible in the area will once again support Books in the Belfry.

“After the success of Tony Parsons and Barry Norman at events last year we think that attracting Jane Hawking and Sophie Hannah is another coup for the Festival and the area.

The Monogram Murders (Image: Archant)

“I’m sure Jane will have lots to say about growing up and going to school in our area as well as meeting Stephen.

“A recent event in Cambridge with Jane was a sell-out so make sure you get your tickets early.”

The book festival’s line-up also features acclaimed children and young person’s author Alex Scarrow, best known for his Time Riders series.

Alex appeared at last year’s Hertford Children’s Book Festival.

The cover of Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas' autobiography Proud (Image: Archant)

And there will be a sports books session featuring Michael Calvin, who ghosted rugby star Gareth Thomas’ controversial biography Proud, and Hertfordshire author Ian Ridley, best known for his acclaimed memoirs of former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams and WGC-born referee Mark Halsey.

Waterstones in St Albans is supporting the festival and will be selling books on both days.

Proceeds will help support the Friends of St Leonard’s (FOSL) to raise funds to help restore and safeguard the medieval wall-paintings in the village church.

To book tickets, visit www.flamsteadbookfestival.com