Damian Collins & Lucy Hughes-Hallett: Power Games
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk
Former Folkestone MP Damian Collins and historian and biographer Lucy Hughes-Hallett come together to explore themes of political manoeuvring, historical impact and the interplay of power and ambition.
Damien Collins, MP for Folkestone and Hythe from 2010 to 2024, is the author of a new book, Rivals in the Storm, about the iconic British statesman, Lloyd George. He explores the life and legacy of the former Prime Minister through insightful biography, which sheds light on the political career and enduring influence of this pivotal figure in British history.
From his early days in Wales to his impact on social reform and foreign policy, explore the complexities of Lloyd George’s leadership and the resonance of his legacy today.
Lucy Hughes-Hallett, celebrated for her historical and biographical narratives, will bring her expertise to the discussion. Her latest work, The Scapegoat: the Brilliant Brief Life of the Duke of Buckingham, which explores the meteoric rise and fall of King James I’s favourite lover, George Villiers. Buckingham was one of the most flamboyant and enigmatic Englishmen at the heart of seventeenth-century royal and political life. He rapidly transformed the influence his beauty gave him into immense wealth and power. By the time he was 33, he had been first minister to two successive kings.
This event is a must for anyone interested in the intersection of history, politics and personal ambition. Collins and Hughes-Hallett will discuss their books’ insights into historical power plays, offering a dialogue on how past and present rivalries shape our world. Engage with two insightful authors as they unravel the threads of history and politics, providing a fascinating look at how individuals and their ambitions can alter the course of national and global events.
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Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, ideas, reading and writing in many magical forms. This year's festival has been curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock. Sophie is our new Curator: Books, Ideas and Community.
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This year's festival is for everyone and we want to make it possible for more people than ever before to be able to come together and enjoy a packed festival. To make this possible we have introduced a £5 ticket. This is a no questions asked ticket for those that may be struggling to afford events and performances.
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We thank our Principal Sponsor Le Shuttle, and our Education Partner Canterbury Christ Church University for making this year's festival possible.
Creative Folkestone is also supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone and Hythe District Council, Kent County Council and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.