FROM a lexicographer to a quizzing mastermind, the Wells Festival of Literature this year offers mind-boggling entertainment from some top brainiacs.
Susie Dent, queen of the dictionary corner on Channel 4’s Countdown for more than three decades, opens the festival on Friday, October 18, and it closes on Saturday, October 26, with comedian and quizzing mastermind Paul Sinha.
Susie is set to bring snippets from her new book Interesting Stories About Curious Words with bizarre stories behind phrases such as Jack the Lad and Sweet Fanny Adams. She will also take her audience on an adventure of the very best red herrings, cock-and-bull stories and nine-day wonders in the English language.
Stand-up comedian Paul Sinha will bring the festival to an hilarious and heart-warming close with an unconventional quest for happiness. His wittily titled new book One Sinha Lifetime sets out the tale of an odyssey mixed with episodes of disaster, mayhem, love – and a passion for general knowledge. A well-known figure on both radio and TV, Sinha placed 11th in the 2018 World Quizzing Championships.
Another treat for quizzers is the return of the festival literary quiz – a popular new addition last year. This year it takes place at The Swan and is open to teams of six.
Former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin will talk about her gripping debut thriller Isolation Island, due to be published in September. A 2021 I’m a Celebrity contestant, her novel features a gruelling reality survival show with devastating consequences.
And in timely fashion, author Jonathan Coe’s new thriller is set in a Britain that finds itself under the leadership of a new Prime Minister, offering a humorous political critique wrapped up in a cosy crime caper.
Other well-known speakers range from the worlds of politics to cookery (Sophie Grigson with stories of exploding tomatoes).
These are just a few of the names to whet literary appetites for Wells Festival of Literature which takes place from October 18-26. Booking for all events opens on August 5. Look out for a brochure or visit www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk
• Pictured: Susie Dent (Picture: John Lawrence)