TV stars and authors to descend on city for lit fest

14 minutes ago

Clara BullockBristol

John Davidson, whose memoir was turned into the BAFTA-winning film I Swear, will be speaking at the event

Getty Images John Davidson stood behind BAFT screen wearing black tux at awards night. — John Davidson, whose memoir was turned into the BAFTA-winning film I Swear, will be speaking at the event

TV stars and BAFT-winning authors are set to appear at a volunteer-run literary festival.

Bristol's Clifton LitFest, running from Friday to Sunday, was started by the Friends of the Clifton Library and has doubled in size since launching in 2019.

Taking place in shops and churches across Clifton, TV stars Mary Portas and Jonathan Porritt will appear alongside John Davidson, whose memoir was turned into the BAFTA-winning film I Swear.

TV presenter Jonathan Dimbleby, author and patron of Clifton Lit Fest, said he particularly likes that the event "belongs to the community". He added that its profits go to Bristol's libraries, giving the festival a "social purpose".

"Initially, it was the first and only literature festival in Bristol, which rather startled me.

"This is something that's very simple and straightforward, that involved people talking, listening, nuanced discussions with real people," added Dimbleby, who lives in Bristol.

Dimbleby is the patron of the event, which he said belongs to the community

Getty Images Jonathan Dimbleby is standing by a brick wall wearing a suit and crossing his arms. He is smiling at the camera. — Dimbleby is the patron of the event, which he said belongs to the community

Davidson said his talk will be "very eye-opening".

Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, he added: "The amount of awareness-raising and more understanding achieved on the back of the film has been phenomenal.

"There's elements of it that are sad but there are also elements that can be inspiring and funny as well, situations I got myself in through having Tourette's."

In 2019, about 2,000 tickets were sold compared to 5,000 this year.

Rosalind Olsen, a volunteer who helps to organise the festival, said: "I think it's that point where suddenly it's on the map and people are now expecting it.

"There's almost a queue of people waiting for the programme to come out.

"Although it's big, it very definitely has its roots in community."

Olsen said the festival's profits go towards supporting libraries

Clifton Lit Fest Rosalind Olsen is seen from her shoulders up, wearing a pink, patterned shirt and a red lanyard. She is speaking to someone just off camera. — Olsen said the festival's profits go towards supporting libraries

Olsen said they raised £10,000 last year, £5,000 of which they gave to the central library in Bristol and £1,000 to Christ Church and Hotwells schools.

"It's very definitely about the community supporting each other and giving back to the community," Olsen added.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.