The former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is among a slew of new guests booked to appear at this year’s Brighton Book Festival.
The politician, who has been an MP for Islington North since 1983 and now sits as an independent following the suspension of the whip, will appear in conversation with climate activist and author Mikaela Loach, who took the government to court over fossil fuels.
In the festival’s first ‘pop-up’ event – taking place this Sunday (28 April), ahead of the June festival – the pair will discuss how climate justice holds the key to transforming our world. A second pop-up, on 28 May, will feature a live on-stage conversation with the Booker Prize-winning author, Marlon James.
Other new guests announced as part of the festival’s 2024 line up include stand-up comedian Jen Brister, author Mendez, plus-size fashion blogger Bethany Rutter and Great British Bake Off star Janusz Domagala.
The six-day Brighton Book Festival runs from 18 to 23 June and will be held at the City Campus of Brighton University, on Grand Parade, for the second year running. It is the third year of the festival, which vows to “make the marginalised mainstream”.
New events confirmed in a programme of over 20 include Around The Table, a mouth-watering journey through culture and cuisine; Fantastical Culture, in which four authors discuss diverse voices in fantasy fiction, the fastest-growing genre in publishing; and Purpose and Profit, on the link between publishing and activism.
This year’s festival will also include a late-night programme, including Search Party, a one-man ‘call and response’ show from acclaimed playwright Inua Ellams. Further late-night details will be announced soon.
Previously confirmed guests include bestselling novelist Dorothy Koomson, Absolutely Fabulous actor Helen Lederer, children’s laureate Joseph Coelho, Guardian columnist and author Nels Abbey and Brighton-based poets Roy McFarlane and AFLO. the poet.
Althea Wolfe, Co-Director of the festival, said: “We really believe that this year’s festival offers something for everyone. By bringing together established and up-and-coming authors from all backgrounds, and making space for those outside the industry to find a way in, we are building a movement for change.”