I was bowled over when Margate Bookie said they would like me to speak at their festival this year. Firstly, because I have zero connections in the area so it felt even more special getting the invite. And secondly, because I’d never visited this famous British seaside resort before.
But while this post is entitled ‘behind the scenes of a literary festival’ I’m not sure how typical my experience at Margate Bookie was of literary festivals generally. I’ve certainly never experienced anything like it before (and that’s no disrespect to other festivals as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them all). There was just something a bit unique about this one…
Cheri Amour interviewing Miki Berenyi
The friendly lit fest by the sea
Margate Bookie calls itself ‘the friendly literature festival by the sea’ so you kind of hope that when you arrive it’s going to have an extra welcoming boost. That the volume will be turned up a notch on the whole social vibe.
Except it went beyond all expectations.
In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking that being friendly was a pre-requisite for all the acts. As if they’d auditioned us in how we might behave in social situations to ensure we were all living and breathing the friendly brand. Because literally everyone I met during this three day mini break to Margate was, frankly, bloody lovely.
Francesca who booked me was a delight to work with, and it was lovely getting emails before we all travelled from our respective home towns telling us all about where our artist wristbands could get us free food, how our guests could enjoy free events, how there were social gatherings to launch the festival and round it off so everyone could get together. In fact, when I arrived, I walked into the launch event alone and immediately, like within five seconds (literally) Andreas, the festival CEO, spotted me, introduced me to other writers and festival staff and grabbed me a beer.
My accommodation was also particularly welcoming. Magical Margate Townhouse, where I stayed for three nights, is a HUGE shared house with en suite rooms. So you get your own space (which is important to me as I sometimes like to cocoon myself away) but there’s a huge kitchen and dining room, living room, cinema room and garden room to socialise in. I unfortunately didn’t get to meet everyone who was staying but I had lots of fun hanging out with Anna, Paul and Philip - three other writers who I hope to keep in touch with. What was also lovely was how everyone in the house tried to be supportive of each other’s events and help make the numbers up, ask questions etc, which was just lush.
Author PJ Whitely reading extracts of his work
The acts
There was so much to choose from, but it made it easier to know I wanted to get along to things my new short term housemates were doing where possible, so I saw Felipe and Loss Leaders at Cinque Ports (where I enjoyed the most delicious fish tacos beforehand). This was Philip’s event, where he read from his work and interspersed it with live music with his band. I also saw James and Jude Cook - two brothers (who used to be in a 90s band called Flamingoes). This was a similar experience, readings from James’ book In Her Room - How Music Helped Me Connect with My Autistic Daughter - interspersed with more live music.
There was actually a strong music theme running through the Bookie. Indeed my own event on the Friday involved conversations about music and mental health given the themes that run through my novels, and then, perhaps the big highlight for me, was hearing from Miki Berenyi of Lush. Miki was interviewed by Cheri Amour, who really knew her stuff and chaired a fantastic session (and I was delighted she gave my book a little plug during it too!). Miki was so engaging, funny, upfront, chatting about her childhood, being in a band and working with 4AD - who I just keep hearing such lovely things about. And, yep, she was really friendly too! It was lush (sorry!) getting to meet her during her book signing afterwards and she was happily having selfies with everyone (I just wish I’d asked!)
Daisy performing live at the Wasteland
Margate town
Margate itself is very cool - full of independently owned shops, cafes, bars and hotels. I visited alone but my wonderful author friend, Stephie (if you like a good romance get her book Call Me Maybe, it’s mint) came over to stay a night so we spent a day exploring Margate which was lots of fun. Stephie was staying in Walpole Bay Hotel which was part hotel, part museum. It was like nothing I’d ever seen before! Although Stephie was slightly concerned after we heard the ghost stories! We also got to pay a brief visit to the Turner where you could buy Bookie books and check out the art and little stores.
On the evening we enjoyed a really vibrant cocktail bar in town and had a nosey around Margate Bookshop, which was full of really interesting books you might never otherwise come across, and we headed to Waste Land at the Albion Rooms - the hotel owned by The Libertines. You know it’s a Libertines own bar from the aesthetics - very cool. And we enjoyed more live music from Daisy and Luke J Dorman which was a treat. They do a great Limoncello Spritz too.
I also got chatting to Debbie from Madam Popoff, a really cool vintage shop in Margate - and another friendly face! In fact, after heading inside for a mooch I noticed that the street it was on was full of vintage stores which is a dream for people like me who have spent years scouring rails for unique pieces of clothing. Shame I had already spent all my money on books! But if you feel spoilt for choice, I would definitely head to Madam Popoff first!
So now I’m heading to King’s Cross and, as a home bird, I’m excited to get home to the toon. But if I ever get the chance, I’ll definitely be visiting Margate again - especially while the Bookie’s on. Stephie and I are also considering it for a writing retreat. So we’ll no doubt be attempting to talk other writers into joining us soon.
Xx
Ahh I wish I could have stayed longer! Was so so lush to hang out! Let's get planning that retreat! xx