GLADFEST TURNS 10!
Join us on Friday September 8th and Saturday September 9th for the friendliest literary festival on the scene.

In 2013 we asked some friendly writers if they’d like hang out with us on a randomly-chosen weekend in September. On a bit of paper we scribbled our aims – ‘feel creative’, ‘get inspired’, ‘in conversation’, and most of all ‘BE FRIENDLY’.

Ten years on, we’re thrilled to bits to still be holding Gladfest with friends you know well, and friends you’ve not met yet. It’s still the best, most exciting, friendliest festival around, and we want you here with us. You can stay (a few rooms are available) or you can come for the day; you can join in virtually, too, as we remain committed to fully accessible events wherever possible. However you make it to Hawarden, come and join in!

The Events
Friday 8th September

1pm to 2pm – Previous Writer in Residence and friend of the Library Peter Moore returns with his latest historical investigation into international political history in Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

If you have a ticket to Peter Moore’s talk (the inaugural Gladfest 2023 event) you will receive a voucher for 20% off any main course on festival Friday. Terms and conditions: Only one voucher to be used per diner. Each voucher entitles the bearer to 20% off any main course at Gladstone’s Library. Vouchers can only be used on Friday 8th September. Vouchers can be picked up from the Library upon arrival.

2.30pm to 3.30pm – The Reading Rooms Team presents Writing Gladstone – the letters of an age

2.30pm to 4pm – Writing Adventurous Non-Fiction; a masterclass with writer Dan Richards

4pm to 5pm – In this event we’ll continue our strong ‘Poetry and…’ theme. Last year was ‘Poetry and a sense of place’, and this year will be Poetry and Faith with poet and priest Catherine Okoronkwo, poet and priest.

5.30pm to 6.30pm – Following Writers and Rebels in the Spanish Civil War with Sarah Watling

Saturday 9th September

10am to 11am – Morning Panel – A selection of Gladfest 2023 writers discuss The Amazing Power of Books

11.30am to 12.30am – Stargazing (While Writing a Novel) with Sarah Perry. This might be a chance to find out what the bestselling writer is working on now!

11.30am to 1pm – Creative writing masterclass hosted by acclaimed novelist Natasha Pulley

2pm to 3pm – What is the role of knowledge in an uncertain world? with Andrea Russell, Warden of Gladstone’s Library

3.30pm to 4.30pm – Join us and Natasha Pulley for A Novelist in Interview.

3.30pm to 5pm – NEW – Cymru, Cymreictod – a creative writing masterclass focused on Wales and Welsh identity with Julie Brominicks

5pm to 6.30pm – Will You Read This Please? Joanna Cannon in interview with Andrea Russell

We have some limited availability on bedrooms over the festival weekend. Email caroline.jeffery@gladlib.org to enquire about staying with us for the full festival experience.