Thursday 7th May at The du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival 2026
Alison Light
This morning begins with Amy Lamorna leading a writing workshop titled Explore Journalling. She will talk about journalling as a space for renewal: a way to notice, reflect, and rediscover joy in the everyday. Through a series of carefully guided writing exercises, participants move between memory, sensory detail, and quiet forward-looking intention. This is an invitation to write without pressure or performance: to follow curiosity and to leave with practical prompts you can practice in your everyday life.
During the morning, attend Dr Stuart Bradley’s talk – John Morton: Adversary of Richard III, Power Behind the Tudors. Stuart uncovers the extraordinary life of John Morton, a master strategist who opposed Richard III, survived the Wars of the Roses and became a key architect of early Tudor power. This event takes place at Fowey Parish Church. The event is free, but donations to the church's funds would be greatly appreciated.
In the early afternoon, join Alison Light for her talk From Manderley to Memoir. Forty-odd years ago, acclaimed writer and historian Alison Light was one of the first scholars to take Daphne du Maurier’s work seriously. Join her as she discusses her writing career and her new memoir, Red, Red Robin, with Dr Ella Westland.
At 4pm, Adele Parks, one of the UK’s most compelling storytellers, discusses her latest novel, Our Beautiful Mess, and the inspiration behind it.
The early evening event, Sense & Musicality with Penelope Appleyard & Jonathan Delbridge, takes place at Fowey Harbour Hotel. Soprano Penelope Appleyard and square-piano specialist Jonathan Delbridge recreate an early 19th-century Jane Austen musical salon.
For your evening entertainment, join the Festival Quiz Evening, back by popular demand as part of the festival programme. Gather a team of 6 (or join one on the night) and enjoy an evening of lively and varied questions, friendly competition and plenty of laughs. There will be prizes for the winning team, glory for the runners-up and a raffle with some fantastic goodies up for grabs, all hosted by local Fowey quizmaster extraordinaire, Richard Pearson. Everyone is very welcome, bring friends, bring family, bring your thinking caps!
For full details of times and locations, please check the programme here:
https://www.foweyfestival.com/events-2026-7th-may/