David Walliams to appear at Hastings Storytelling Festival

He rose to fame with Matt Lucas in the hit show is now a much-loved actor and author of several hugely popular children’s books, including The Boy in the Dress, Mr Stink, Gangsta Granny and Grandpa’s Great Escape.

David Walliams will be participating in a Q&A session along with Sir Quentin Blake and will read extracts from his stories as well as signing books on sale at St Mary in the Castle on Saturday, November 14 at 2pm.

Hastings’ week of stories for adults and children returns for the fifth year from November 9 to 15 with an array of internationally renowned authors and storytellers.

Dick Edwards, festival chairman, said: “This year we are delighted that our wonderful patron, Sir Quentin Blake, famous for his illustrations for Roald Dahl’s children’s books, has invited two of his friends and colleagues, Michael Morpurgo and David Walliams to join the event.”

Mandy Curtis, who produces the event with events company, 18 Hours, said: “Proceeds from David Walliams’ performance will enable the festival to keep children’s events free for under 10 year olds.”

Michael Morpurgo is author of War Horse, Private Peaceful and many other children’s novels, read by schoolchildren across the country.

He will be talking about his work at Sussex Coast College Hastings on Friday, November 13 at 4pm.

On Saturday, November 14, St Mary in the Castle welcomes author and social commentator Will Self who will address an adult audience at 7.30pm.

Salena Godden, spoken word artist and novelist, who writes about Hastings in her book Springfield Road, is appearing on Wednesday, November 11 at University of Brighton in Havelock Road at 7pm.

On Thursday, November 12, The Natashas Project uses the medium of dance to tell an important story about the dark and pervasive world of sex trafficking. The performance will be held at 7pm (venue to be confirmed).

Children will enjoy plenty of free storytelling too. On Saturday, November 14, Nana Tsiboe performs at Hastings Children’s Library at 10.30am.

Storyteller in Residence, Usifu Jalloh, is visiting schools with his stories of Sierra Leone. Usifu will also perform at the Children’s free Storytelling Festival Day on Sunday, November 15 at the Stade (noon-4pm) along with a host of other storytellers, including Norwich Puppet Theatre and Rex Dinosaur, a real life-sized T-Rex who will roam around being kept (only just) under control by his keeper.

An animal themed Children’s Parade departs at 3pm from outside Stade Hall. All are welcome to join.

Dick added: “This is just a taster of what’s on at this diverse and exciting festival. Hastings is rapidly becoming one of the UK’s top Storytelling Festivals. Keep an eye on our facebook page for more details and ticket booking.”

The festival website is currently undergoing new design, but will be live very soon at www.hastingsstoryfest.org.uk

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