One of the highlights of the north Norfolk arts calendar returns from July 13-27, featuring a lively line-up of music, comedy, talks, poetry and drama
Sarah Perry in conversation with Hugh Aldersey-Williams
July 22, 3pm, St Andrew's Church
The Norwich-based writer of The Essex Serpent will be discussing her latest novel Enlightenment - a story of love, faith and astronomy - with award-winning science author Hugh Aldersey-Williams.
Her other works include the novels After Me Comes the Flood and Melmoth and the non-fiction Essex Girls.
Includes a Q&A and book signing.
The Shackleton Trio
July 22, 9pm, Gresham's Pre-Prep School Hall
Combining mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo with powerful three part harmonies, the Shackleton Trio bring the stories of their native East Anglia to life. Influenced by British, American and Scandinavian folk traditions, they've played on BBC Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 4 and 6 Music and have also appeared on Cambridge Folk Festival’s prestigious main stage.
Rosemary Ashe: Adorable Dora
July 23, 6pm, Gresham's Pre-Prep School Hall
West End star Rosemary Ashe celebrates British comedy legend Dora Bryan in Adorable Dora. Over nearly eight decades Dora starred in everything from pantomime and Carry On films to Shakespeare, sitcoms including Last of the Summer Wine, Ab Fab and Dinnerladies, and won a Bafta for her performance in A Taste Of Honey. During lockdown Rosemary was having a clear out and came across an old cassette which inspired her to write the show.
Red Card Comedy Club
July 24, 9pm, The Venue, Kerridge Way
Festival favourites The Red Card Comedy Club return with an evening of top talent. Headlining is Mark Simmons, star of Mock The Week and master of one-liners. He is is supported by rising star Fiona Ridgewell, who won the Best Newcomer Edinburgh ISH Comedy Award in 2023, with Danny Ward on hosting duties.
Age recommendation: 16+
Nigel Planer
July 25, 2.30pm, Auden Theatre, Gresham's School
At the heart of the alternative comedy movement in the 1980s, Nigel Planer shot to fame as hippy Neil in The Young Ones. A cultural polymath, as well as writing novels, plays and TV and radio scripts he is also a poet and has collected his work into a volume called Making Other Plans. His new novel, Jeremiah Bourne in Time is out this summer.
Includes a book signing
Barbara Dickson
July 25, 6pm, Auden Theatre, Gresham's School
A special acoustic performance by singer Barbara Dickson and her pianist Nick Holland of a range of material drawing on her folk roots, contemporary greats, and some of her classic hits. Support comes from singer-songwriter Anthony Toner.
Mitch Dalton And The Studio Kings
July 25, 8.45pm, Auden Theatre, Gresham's School
Mitch Dalton's credits read like a who's who of the music business. He's performed on records for artists such as Robbie Williams Van Morrison Henry Mancini, Michel Legrand, Celine Dion, Elvis Costello and Jose Carreras and Hollywood soundtracks including the James Bond and Twilight movies, plus countless prime time TV shows and commercials. He and his own band, The Studio Kings, are set to release a new album later this year.
Claire Daverley in conversation with Keith Britten
July 26, 3pm, St Andrew's Church
If you're a fan of David Nicholls' One Day, then add Claire Daverley's debut novel Talking At Night to your list. Spanning several decades it's about sudden connections, missed opportunities and the many loves we have over a lifetime. Claire will be discussing her work with Keith Britten, co-owner of The Holt Bookshop.
The Zombies
July 27, 7pm, Stage on the Field, Gresham's Pre-Prep School
Legendary rock band The Zombies are headlining the Stage on the Field on the festival's final night. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, they released new album, Different Game, last year. Expect newer tracks alongside all-time classics such as She's Not There and Time Of The Season.
Support comes from local rockabilly band Those Deadbeat Cats.
To see the full Holt Festival line-up and to book go to holtfestival.org
