Join Top Authors at Queen’s Reading Room Festival

There will be a star-studded line-up for this year’s Queen’s Reading Room Festival.

Formed from the Instagram book club established by Her Majesty Queen Camilla, the charity event at Hampton Court Palace on Saturday (June 8) will include Olivier winning actress Dame Harriet Walter, who will join Helena Bonham Carter for a very special edition of William Sieghart’s Poetry Pharmacy.

Ken Follett will host Harlan Coben and Mick Herron for an exclusive session for thriller-fanatics, delving into Coben and Herron’s most secret and valuable tips for writing a story that will thrill, chill and fit the bill.

This year’s programme will also see Miriam Margolyes take to the main stage in one of the Palace’s atmospheric Tudor courtyards to express her love and deep knowledge of Charles Dickens.

Three of our greatest living crime writers - Sir Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves and Lee Child - take to the stage to discuss the crafting of a perfect crime.  They’ll talk about the art of creating tension, the importance of reliable procedure and the difficulties that come hand in hand with long-term characters who develop a personality of their own.

Also appearing will be Rev Richard Coles, Ann Cleeves, Elif Shafak, Kate Mosse and many others. 

The Queen’s Reading Room is on a mission to spread the joy and benefits of reading and has just published its first neuroscientific research study into the link between reading fiction and well-being. 

“Last year’s Queen’s Reading Room festival was a joyous occasion, filled with laughter and fantastic story-telling set against the magical backdrop of Hampton Court Palace,” said Vicki Perrin, CEO of The Queen’s Reading Room.

“We can’t wait to replicate it again this year and build on our success with a brilliant programme of stellar international authors and performances from much-loved actors.”

The festival is a co-production between The Queen’s Reading Room and Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace. Proceeds will go towards the ongoing work of both charities. 

To find out more about the Queen’s Reading Room and the festival visit https://thequeensreadingroom.co.uk/ and for information on accessibility visit https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/visit/accessibility/#gs.act09c