Lev Parikian and Oliver Smith: A Journey Through the Sacred and the Natural
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Join writer, birdwatcher, and conductor Lev Parikian and award-winning travel journalist Oliver Smith for a captivating conversation about the sacred spaces of both the natural world and the human spirit.
In their new books, they explore the epic journeys of birds in flight and humans on foot, revealing the profound intersections between the environmental and the spiritual.
Lev Parikian’s Taking Flight: The Evolutionary Story of Life on the Wing offers an expansive journey through the world of birds, tracing their remarkable evolutionary path. From the humble beginnings of avian life to the breathtaking diversity of species today, Parikian celebrates the awe-inspiring beauty and ingenuity of nature, inviting readers to see the world through new eyes.
Oliver Smith’s On This Holy Island: A Modern Pilgrimage Across Britain takes readers on a spiritual journey across sacred sites, with a particular focus on the history and mystery of Lindisfarne. Smith’s reflective and evocative narrative weaves together the past and present, uncovering the deep connections between people, places and the divine in a world where the sacred is often intertwined with the natural.
This thought-provoking event promises to be a rich exploration of how landscapes, both physical and metaphorical, shape our understanding of life, history, and the spiritual.
Chaired by acclaimed short story writer Adam Marek, whose collections Instruction Manual for Swallowing and The Stone Thrower have been widely praised for their surreal and imaginative storytelling, the discussion will offer new perspectives on how we connect with the world around us, whether through nature, pilgrimage, or thoughtful storytelling.
Perfect for lovers of nature, seekers of spiritual insight, and fans of evocative writing, this event is not to be missed.
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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.