Special Guests at Warwick Words Autumn Festival
Special Guests at Warwick Words Autumn Festival 30 September – 4 October Warwick Words Autumn Festival line-up includes several well-known media personalities. The 800th anniversary of Magna Carta falls this year and historian, award-winning journalist and TV presenter Dan Jones will launch the Festival with a look at life in1215. This was not just the year that saw the birth of the charter that forced King John to accept limits to his power, but one of foreign wars, dramatic sieges, trade, treachery and an invasion by the French army. But for most people in England, life just went on. A Realm Divided (30 September, 7.30 p.m. St Mary’s Collegiate Church) opens a window onto home and church, love and marriage, outlawry and adventure in the 13th century, and ranges from the king’s court to a peasant wedding. Magna Carta is regarded as the foundation of individual liberty and in Magna Carta – Foundation of Freedom (2 October, 7.30 p.m., The Ballroom, The Court House, Jury St) Sir Robert Worcester will be sharing his life-long interest and enthusiasm for this famous document. A respected figure in public opinion research and political circles, he will be discussing why this landmark of the rule of law which has influenced constitutions around the world is still relevant today. Born in Leamington Spa theatre critic and Warwick School old boy Michael Billington will be looking even further back in history as he offers his selection of the greatest plays from the Greeks up to the present day. In The 101 Greatest Plays: From Antiquity to the Present (4 October, 4.30 p.m., Main Hall, King’s High School) he will be putting the plays in their context and tracing their performance history as he examines their significance and what makes a great play. The Festival ends with The Great British Bake Off 2013 winner Frances Quinn showing how to put a little magic into the kitchen. In Quinntessential Baking (4 October, 7.30 p.m., Main Hall, King’s High School) she will explain how to use your imagination to create distinctive and different bakes from some basic recipes. Festival Executive Director Helen Meeke said, ‘The Autumn Festival programme includes a host of other events and we’re sure everyone will find something of interest. Warwick Words will also be putting on a series of Tea Time Talks in association with the University of Warwick and Xtra Events throughout the year.’Warwick Words Autumn Festival 30 September – 4 October takes place at venues in Warwick. For the full Warwick Words Autumn Festival programme, Tea Time Talks and Xtra Events see www.warwickwords.co.uk or pick up a Festival brochure from local libraries, cafes and shops. Brochures can also be requested by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name and full postal address, or downloaded from www.warwickwords.co.uk Warwick Words Autumn Festival tickets are available from Spa Centre, Leamington, Box Office 01926 334418. To book on line go to www.warwickwords.co.uk