EPPING FOREST: Authors and TV stars descend on district for book fest (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

EPPING FOREST: Authors and TV stars descend on district for book fest

2:48pm Thursday 7th January 2010 in Epping Forest News By Daniel Binns

TICKETS have gone on sale today for this year's star-studded Essex Book Festival.

After selling out in just a few days last year, Essex County Council are encouraging residents to book within the next few days to avoid disappointment.

Highlights in the Epping Forest district include talks by BBC News presenter and writer George Alagiah, Orange prize winner Francesca Kay and bestselling novelist sibling duo Melissa and Sadie Jones.

The festival, which starts on Tuesday March 2 and runs for five weeks, is being organised by a variety of district councils together with the Essex Library service.

Other big names taking part include Margaret Drabble, Alexander McCall Smith, Germaine Greer, Mike Gayle, Francis Wheen, Barbara Erskine and Alastair Campbell.

Essex County Council councillor David Finch, who is the authority's cabinet member for adults, health and community wellbeing, said: "The line up for this year’s spectacular festival, now in its 11th year, is one of the best yet and features a number of well-known writers as well as new and up-and-coming authors, both nationally and internationally.”

Events in the district include:

Bee Rowlatt and May Witwit Monday March 8, 7.30pm, Debden Library

The pair discuss their work Talking about Jane Austen in Baghdad about the friendship between a London journalist and an Iraqi academic in war-torn Baghdad. Tickets: £4/3.

Mike Gayle Thursday March 11, 8pm, Loughton Library

Talk by the best-selling novelist and ex-agony uncle. Tickets: £6.50/4.50.

Francesca Kay Wednesday March 17, 2.30pm, Epping Library

Her work An Equal Stillness won the Orange New Writers Award. In partnership with Epping Library's Booktalk groups. Tickets: £4/3.

George Alagiah Friday March 19, 7.30pm, St Mary's Church, Loughton

BBC News reader talks about his life and reportage. Tickets: £10/£8

Melissa and Sadie Jones Monday March 29, 7.30pm, Budworth Hall, Ongar

The best-selling sisters reveal the background behind their novels. In partnership with Ongar Library Booktalk group. Tickets: £6.50/4.50.

Tickets can be booked by going to www.essexbookfestival.org.uk, via using a festival brochure available in all the county's libraries or via telephone on 01206 573948.