On Nature, On Water
We got pretty excited when we were recently invited to participate in this year’s Richmond Literary Festival. So much so that we are now co-hosts of the (deep breath) Richmond Upon Thames Literary Fringe Festival Birthday Party. I think the organisers realised that this could be a laugh when we suggested doing our thing on a boat heading up and down the Thames, on the Friday just before Bonfire Night, with readings and records and a well stocked bar. They were right to think that way.
The party takes place on Friday, November 4th, with the boat (The Richmond Royale) departing Saint Helena Pier, Water Lane, Richmond, at 7pm, returning there at 11pm.
Our fellow host is Michael Smith, familiar to those of you who have read our book, On Nature, as the author of the Oysteropolis chapter. Michael is probably better known as a presenter of the brilliant series Drivetime and through his regular stints on The Culture Show. He’s been commissioned by the festival to write a piece in celebration of it’s birthday and he’ll premiere said piece, The Thames Is A Sea, that night on the boat.
Also on board we have fellow On Nature contributors Richard King (A Radnorshire Annual) and Charles Rangeley-Wilson (How To Catch A Trout) reading from their respective chapters, plus very special guest, Roy Wilkinson reading from his brilliant new book, Do It For Your Mum. Roy’s mate, the poet, Jock Scot, will be along to add colour to the evening. That colour will no doubt be blue.
And if this isn’t enough, there will be music. All participants have been asked to bring along their five favourite records and we’ll be spinning some too.
Literature, rock ‘n’ roll and fireworks. A fair enough summation of the aforementioned Jock Scot, and surely the key ingredients for a cracking night.