To the Suffolk coast for the literary delight that is Southwold. The town was home to George Orwell but whilst he hated the place, I love everything about it – the quirky pier, uncommercialisegd water front, cosy pubs, Adnams beer, and great hotels.
On my previous appearances here I’ve been interviewed in the magnificent church by the TV producer, Jon Blair. This year Jon interviewed me again but this time in the Southwold Arts Centre with all 230 seats filled.
A few days before Jon (who is with me in the photo above) had interviewed Lord Baker who as Ken Baker had been characterised in Spitting Image (which Jon produced in the 1980s) as a slimy slug. Jon wasn’t sure if Ken knew of his involvement and apparently the issue of slugs never arose.
We had a lovely authors dinner in the Crown on Sunday evening hosted by Kay and Stephen, the wonderful couple who have organised three of the best literary festivals for many years at Dartington, Keswick and Southwold.
