Literature
July 2015Port Eliot Literary Festival
This book event is held in the magical 18th-century landscaped park and walled garden of a Cornish stately home each July.
The Port Eliot Literary Festival has some of the ambience of a bohemian music festival - as well as writing and poetry, there is a strong emphasis on live music performances and visitors can pitch tents for free or stay in Podpads (little plywood huts) or teepees.
This is a family-friendly affair, with a supervised children's area and organised kids' games. There is also a magnificent array of food stalls, and impromptu parties are to be expected.
A brand new Fashion Tent features stars from the world of fashion, design and costume design. Other entertainments include flower shows, live music, evening bonfires, readings, DJs, art exhibitions and even a chance to go wild swimming in the Lynher Estuary.
Authors who have appeared at the festival in previous years have included Tracy Chevalier, Jessica Hynes, India Knight, Ali Smith, Miles Jupp, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, William Dalrymple, Simon Munnery, Rosie Boycott, Mich Brown, Roy Hutchins, Geoff Dyer, and John Cooper Clark. There is also Music & Cabaret, with acts ranging from Lazy Lester and Sean Rowley to Cate Le Bonn, Stornoway and The Bees.
