Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival is back! Click here to check out our line-up, with more authors to be announced.
A vibrant celebration of everything good for us as people, and the planet as a whole.
Sunday at Calverly Park is a jam-packed day with a focus on sustainability, wellbeing and happiness, encountering what we can all do to effect change and make a difference and Plant a Pledge.
| Event | Where | Time | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time for Tea: Celia Aceae | Support Local Zone | 11:00 - 12:00 | Age Rec: 14+ (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| Come and taste some unique teas with Celia Aceae, a Tea Sommelier and Camellia enthusiast. As a tea research and development specialist for one of North America's largest loose-leaf tea companies, Celia developed blends and sourced straight tea for over nine years and as if that weren't enough to prove her love of tea, she went on to pursue an MSc in Plant Taxonomy, specialising in Camellia (that's right—the genus responsible for your daily cuppa. So bring your curiosity and any burning questions you've been saving for the next time you meet a tea expert, such as, where does my tea come from and what temperature should my water be? Are green and black tea the same thing? Which one has more caffeine? You'll learn all about the great variety of flavour that the mighty Camellia sinensis leaf offers, some tasting tricks, the truth behind a few common tea myths, and so much more! |
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| Bee Hotel Making & Face Painting | Family Zone | All Day | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+ |
| Print Your Own Tote Bag | Support Local Zone | All Day | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| Explore Local Charities and Business | Family Zone | All Day | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| Take the opportunity to meet local charities and businesses that work to promote sustainability and wellbeing locslly, working in your community. | |||
| Allie Bailey - There Is No Wall | Poetry Tent | 11:00 - 12:00 | Age Restriction: 16+ |
| Told with disarming honesty and heart-breaking vulnerability, There Is No Wall is Allie Bailey's story of her rollercoaster journey through alcoholism, depression and into the wonderful world of ultrarunning. If you've read running books before, you'd think that running would be her salvation. Turns out running thousands of miles a year doesn't save anybody, but it might be the thing that buys her time to save herself.
More Info & Book Allie Bailey - There Is No Wall |
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| Moth Morning | Family Zone | 11:00 - 12:00 | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| Join Research Curator and local entomologist, Dr Ian Beavis, as he opens up The Amelia's moth-friendly trap! You will learn all about the exciting names and different species of moths. From tiny micro moths, to large, brightly coloured Hawkmoths! |
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| Jon Alexander - Citizens: Why The Key To Fixing Everything Is All Of Us | The Marquee at Calverley Grounds | 12:00 - 13:00 | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| Jon Alexander, the celebrated author of CITIZENS, joins us to discuss his work and its practical applications. Through this important and timely book, and as a founder of the New Citizenship Project, Jon encourages us to reframe our worldview from that of consumer to citizen and asks, when we do so what can we achieve together? | |||
| Mini Park Safari | Family Zone | 12:30 - 13:00 | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| An expert on the natural world and an approachable guide, Dr Beavis will be leading fun and informative mini trail around the Park. It will offer participants an opportunity to discover the wildlife which exists right on their doorstep. Participants will learn about how to look for insects and identify local varieties, all under the watchful guidance of Dr Beavis who will be on hand to offer advice, expertise and interesting facts. Park Safari participants are encouraged to bring their own bug spotting tools. However, these 'bug boxes' don't need to be anything fancy, a jam jar or clear Tupperware will work nicely. |
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| Little Owl Story Telling | Family Zone | 12:30 14:30 15:30 |
Age Rec: 3+ (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| The Woolly Wonder! Show | Family Zone | 11:00 13:15 16:00 |
Age Rec: 3+ (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| Yoga in the Park | Go Wild Zone | 10:15 - 11:00 | Age Rec: 10+ (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| Come a long to a yoga session in the beautiful surroundings of the outdoors. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned practitioner, all are welcome to enjoy the session. Embrace the tranquility and join us for an enriching experience suitable for 10+ (children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Delivered by Homehealthyoga. |
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| Mindfulness Taster | Support Local Zone | 11:15 - 11:45 | Age Rec: 10+ (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| Mindfulness is for anyone who wishes to do something for themselves to enhance their mental and physical wellbeing, improve resilience to stress, and live life more fully. Mindfulness is easy to both learn and use. It is best described as being fully aware without judging your feelings, thoughts and the world around you. It is being fully awake and engaged in your daily life and offers a simple yet powerful way of improving your experience of life and can stimulate a better sense of wellbeing. Delivered by Tansy in the Wild. |
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| Poems as Friends: Fiona Bennett, Roxy Dunn, Sarah Salway | The Poetry Tent at Calverley Grounds | 12:30 - 13:30 | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| Fiona Bennett co-author of the unique Poems as Friends anthology is joined by special guests, Sarah Salway and Roxy Dunn in a sumptuous hour celebrating the power of poetry in our lives. In this lively, warm, and uplifting event The Poetry Exchange will share stories and poems from the book to reveal the life-changing power of connection created in the company of poems as friends.
More Info & Book Fiona Bennett, Roxy Dunn & Sarah Salway - Poems as Friends |
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| Calverley Grounds Health Walk | Go Wild Zone | 13:30 - 14:30 | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| The Ramblers Wellbeing Walks provide sociable walking groups throughout the borough of Tunbridge Wells.There are weekly walks in several of the parks of Royal Tunbridge Wells, which feature the stunning views of cultivated landscapes and architecture. Walkers enjoy the benefits of friendly leaders, good company, fresh air and stunning scenery. Most groups also take the opportunity to stop for refreshments after the walk. Why don't you try it for yourself! Duration up to 60 minutes. The walk will include well paved paths with some inclines and a couple of roads to cross, but generally very easy going. Meet outside the café. For more information visit www.everydayactivekent.org.uk/activities/wellbeing-walks-tunbridge-wells |
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| Dr Ian Beavis - Insects in the Ancient World | The Marquee at Calverley Grounds | 14:30 - 15:30 | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| A Cultural History of Insects in Antiquity (2024) is a multi-author survey of the role of insects in Classical Greece and Rome and other cultures of the Ancient World. Ian's opening chapter Insect Knowledge explores the extent and accuracy of the Ancients' knowledge of the insect world, and the extent to which their approach can be described as scientific. Dr Ian Beavis read Classics at the University of Exeter, and his doctoral thesis was published as Insects and other Invertebrates in Classical Antiquity by the university press in 1988. He joined the former Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery in 1985 and currently holds the post of Research Curator at the Amelia Scott. Ian is the author of a number of books and papers on local history and natural history, and regularly lectures and leads public events on these themes. His latest publication forms the opening chapter (Insect Knowledge) of A Cultural History of Insects in Antiquity (2024), the first part of a six volume set tracing the role of insects in human society from the earliest times to the present day. Book Dr Ian Beavis - Insects in the Ancient World |
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| Poets for the Planet: Jacqueline Saphra alongside Jessica Taggart Rose, Jess Mookherjee and Steve Walter | The Poetry Tent at Calverley Grounds | 14:00 - 15:00 | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| Poets for the Planet is a community of kindred poets, performers, artists and creative activities raising their voices to engage with climate and ecological emergency through poetry. In the movement of molecules; in the swirl of clouds over seas; in the silences between words and notes of music; in the dance of bees. And our planet is in crisis. Global climate emergency and ecological disaster can no longer be sidelined or ignored. Poets for the Planet insists on the care, conservation and regeneration of our environment and resources. Inspired by protest round the world, we believe that the poetry community has an important role to play in calling on a range of voices, experiences and passions to respond to this crucial moment of challenge. Come along to hear from excellent poets, including the Poets for the Planets Chair, Jacqueline Saphra, alongside Jessica Taggart Rose, Jess Mookherjee and Steve Walter. |
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| Word Up! | The Poetry Tent at Calverley Grounds | 15:30 - 17:00 | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| Word Up! is on a mission to make all voices heard through spoken word. Featuring performances from Spoken Word artists, and an open mic. All welcome. Performances from Redeeming Features, Lizzie Rose, Steve Walter, Harry Barden, Jacob Dolley and Eddie Dean. Truly an event with something for everyone. You will laugh and cry and hopefully be inspired to write or read yourself. | |||
| Local Gardeners' Question Time | The Marquee at Calverley Grounds | 16:00 - 17:00 | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
| Bring your questions and enthusiasm, and let's elevate your gardening game together. Whether you're looking to enhance your veg growing skills, create a wildlife-friendly habitat, or simply enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening, we've got you covered! |
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| This Is Us Dance Performance | Family Zone | 15:00 | Suitable for all ages (Under 18's must be supervised by an adult aged 18+) |
All Day
Please check each event
All Day Free Family Zone 11:00 - 17:00
Learning about, connecting with and exploring nature is such an important way to engage children with our planet and the importance of protecting it. Tackling climate change and improving sustainability is a journey that our children will see the impacts of more than most. We hope our dedicated wellbeing and sustainability day at this year's festival, will further foster this important connection and passion towards sustainability and nature for all ages.
Bring your own picnic to enjoy amidst the tranquil surroundings of the park. Additionally, children can explore the play park and participate in various free engaging activities tailored for family fun. For those feeling crafty, there will be drop in bee hotel-making, highlighting the importance of preserving local bee populations, did you know there is an endangered species of bee that lives in and around Calverley Park! Families can also look forward to the return of Little Owl and Fox for a delightful puppetry storytime, promising entertainment for attendees of all ages. Nature enthusiasts will have the opportunity to join a family nature walk, offering a first-hand exploration of the park's natural wonders and learning about the local ecosystem.
All Day Free Go Wild Zone 11:00 – 17.00
Nature can have such an impact on our wellbeing, and as such, it's important that we have a positive impact on nature!
Our 'Go Wild' area is a great way to learn about how you can improve biodiversity in your own garden and tackle the impacts of climate change when doing so, whilst also learning to embrace nature in your own health and wellbeing journey.
Sunday's line-up caters to all who wish to learn more about local nature and biodiversity or those looking to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of being in nature. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with local charities, such as Bedgebury, Folly Wildlife and Notcutts dedicated to supporting and caring for wildlife and green spaces in the area. Stands will be set up where visitors can learn about the important work being done and how they can get involved.
For those with a green thumb, gardening tips will be readily available from the Tunbridge Wells in Bloom Team, offering valuable insights into nurturing local flora and fauna.
Additionally, attendees can book onto a Health Walk, to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park while reaping the benefits of physical activity. For a more serene experience, yoga sessions will be held in the park, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect with nature and rejuvenate their minds and bodies amidst the tranquil surroundings.
All Day Free Support Local Area 11:00 - 17:00
Sustainability is eating local, travelling local, shopping local and holidaying local.
In Tunbridge Wells there is an abundance of ways to do all of the above, with many local businesses taking the plunge into sustainability and making a difference every day. Support local and make a difference. Meet the faces behind the eco-friendly initiatives and learn how they're making a positive impact in our community.
Organisations include Charlies Angels Kitchen and Brains Matter, NHS Health Bus, and local business Goupie Factory, as well as TW Good and Green, Tunbridge Wells Repair Café and Men in Sheds. Also, local charities such as Hospice in the Weald, and MIND all of whom are very resourceful in supporting local people. And artist Imogen Partridge will be capturing the day in water colour.
Plus, don't miss Visit Tunbridge Wells, who want to hear your ideas! Print your own reusable tote bag and learn about greener ways to travel and explore Tunbridge Wells to take a piece of sustainability home with you. Join us in supporting local businesses and building a greener future together!
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