This year we were spoiled with riches with a wonderful line up of engaging, interesting and entertaining authors.
We started in fine form with the irrepressible and fascinating Margaret Rand taking us on a journey of discovery of English wines.
The following day Liz Earle fascinated us about living life to the optimum and Oliver Franklin-Wallis educated and appalled us about the way waste is managed and other climate issues.
Meanwhile our first ever Teen festival entertained with authors Tia Fisher, Ravena Guron, Arik Kershenbaum, and Caroline Lawrence.
Midweek was cheered up by Charlie Bigham’s warm hearted conversation about his love of food. The following evening Robert Harris offered a tantalising and compelling view of the life and loves of H H Asquith.
On Friday we were joined by broadcaster Tom Heap to learn about smart ways to use land.
Saturday came with a wonderful conversation with Elizabeth Strout about her new book which finally joins Olive Kitteridge and Lucy Barton. She held her audience captivated.
Sunday bought us the lovely Kate Williams talking about the scandals of the royal palaces and straight afterwards we ended with another irrepressible author – Anton du Beke who delighted the audience.
Later in October Sevenoaks School children were treated to a stimulating afternoon with Lucy Strange, who took them on a journey through her writing process.
A month after the festival we were delighted to welcome Dame Harriet Walter who gave us not so much a talk as a performance of her brilliant book She Speaks, where she gives Shakespeares women space to express their feelings.