Wantage Literary Festival - Day 6

Catherine Edwards | Orator: The Life of Cicero and the End of the Roman Republic

Political history | Biography
14+ years | 12.00pm | The Beacon
Adult £13.50 | Student £8

In this gripping new biography, the distinguished classicist Catharine Edwards brings Cicero vividly to life, revealing both the brilliance and the contradictions of a man caught between principle and ambition. At a moment when democratic institutions feel fragile, and the power of persuasion is once again under scrutiny, Cicero’s life speaks to us with renewed urgency.

Adam Hart | Operation Pimento: My Great-Grandfather’s Great Escape.

Biography | Military History Adventure
14+ years | 1.15pm | The Beacon
Adult £13.50 | Student £8

On 14 August 1943, the SOE’s ‘Special Duties’ aircraft carrying Adam Hart’s great-grandfather Frank and his crew on a secret mission was shot down over Annecy in southeast France. Only Frank survived. His 22-year-old-great-grandson Adam Hart retraced his epic escape through France, Switzerland and Spain and wrote this moving, thrilling account of his great-grandfathers courageous escape from the Nazis. ‘An affectionate and often audacious tale of an unsung WW2 hero.

Peter Cardwell | Political Animals

Political Humour | Political History
Biography
14+ years | 2.00pm | The Beacon
Adult £13.50 | Student £8

Prominent journalist and political advisor, Peter Cardwell’s book Political Animals delves into the lives of various animals that have roamed the corridors of power, from the chief mouser Larry the cat of Downing Street to dogs and even tarantulas. Providing a light-hearted yet insightful look at how these animals influenced political events and eased the personal lives of politicians around the world.

Debbie Kilroy | Members Behaving Badly: A History of Britain in 52 Parliamentary Rogues

Popular History | Political Biography
14+ years | 3.15pm | The Beacon
Adult £13.50 | Student £8

Historian Debbie Kilroy has written an alternative history of Britain through the scandalous stories of 52 MPs who behaved very badly. From 1603 to 1945 these 52 parliamentary villains: abusers, liars, cheats, kidnappers and murderers, performed unlawful and frequently violent deeds, using parliament as a front and excuse. These are the MPs who made history for all the wrong reasons. Kilroy is a great storyteller whose writing is brimming with humour and wit.

Chris Lintott | Beyond Artemis 11

Following the successful Artemis 11 mission in April 2026, we are delighted to welcome astrophysicist and BBC’s Sky at Night presenter Professor Chris Lintott back to Wantage to reflect on how galaxies form and evolve and consider how the findings from Artemis 11’s and future space exploration missions may influence astronomy research. Lintott is well known for being dedicated to making astronomy accessible to the public. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this engaging talk blends innovative science with captivating storytelling. Family-friendly tickets available to bring the whole family for an evening of cosmic wonder.

Monkeyfists: Sea Shanties with Your local Landlocked Shanty Band

The Monkeyfists are a local Sea Shanty Band who happen to be the UK’s most landlocked shanty band, living about as far from the sea as you can possibly be. But don’t let geography fool you-these landlubbers have been playing maritime music with enthusiasm and no small amount of skill since 2014. They are all about the fun of the foot-stomping, galleon-storming, carousing, roustabout lark of playing live music and ensuring a great evening out. They play authentic old sea songs, shanties, folk songs and drinking songs. Expect to hear great vocals, bass ukelele, percussion, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo and piano accordion. Be prepared to dance, sing along and put in requests.

Wantage Literary Festival – Day 6