David Holmes: Harry Potter’s Double
Book this event online or email the box office at boxoffice@creativefolkestone.org.uk
It won't just be Harry Potter fans who'll feel moved after an evening with David Holmes, a competitive gymnast from Essex who became a beloved stunt double in the Harry Potter films – before tragedy struck.
David Holmes was just 14 when he first stepped into the role of Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. In 2011, while working on his seventh Harry Potter film, at the age of 25, a stunt went tragically wrong, leaving David paralysed.
Despite this life-altering injury, David’s spirit and determination have remained unbroken. Supported by his enduring friendships with the Harry Potter actors, David has continued to pursue his passions and even ventured into automobile racing.
Since 2020, he has hosted the podcast Cunning Stunts, where he shares his insights and experiences in the world of stunts and resilience. David Holmes will be talking via video link about his new memoir about his experience, The Boy Who Lived.
Perhaps you’re a fan of Harry Potter, inspired by tales of triumph over adversity, or intrigued by the world of stunts? This event promises to be both motivational and enlightening.
This event will be chaired live, in person, by the journalist and commentator Kat Brown. Her work has been featured in The Times, Stylist, The Telegraph, The Independent and Guardian, she host events for the London Book Fair, British Library and Waterstones. Her books, both published this year, include It’s Not a Bloody Trend: Understanding Life as an ADHD Adult and No One Talks About This Stuff.
Follow David Holmes on Instagram: @davidholmes83
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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.
Or grab a festival pass and enjoy the whole festival for just £140. Click here to book your festival pass
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We thank our sponsors Eurotunnel, Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival 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.