Some of the UK’s most exciting authors are giving public talks in Kent thanks to a new literary festival.

WhitLit is bringing nationally acclaimed writers to Whitstable for its inaugural event, as well as shining a light on local literary talent.

One of the aims of festival founder Victoria Falconer is to celebrate the work of W Somerset Maugham. The novelist and short story writer, who died in 1965, was one of the 20th century’s best-selling authors and spent his formative years in Whitstable.

He later wrote about the town as Blackstable in two of his best known works, Of Human Bondage and Cakes and Ale. Free copies of the books have been handed out in Whitstable ahead of the festival, which runs from Thursday, May 8, to Sunday, May 11.

“Somerset Maugham has become a rather unfashionable name in recent years,” said Victoria. “Through a series of events, WhitLit aims to address the controversies linked to the writer – not least that he hated Whitstable – and encourage as many people as possible to pick up and read his books. They are still as relevant and entertaining today as they were a century ago.”

WhitLit will pay homage to Somerset Maugham throughout the festival with a theatre show, film screening and debates.

For full WhitLit listings, visit www.whitlit.co.uk

SOME EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Britain’s greatest and most ferocious interviewer Lynn Barber talks about her memoir A Curious Career. The award-winning journalist has interviewed a huge cross-section of celebrities and this promises to be a fascinating window into the world of national newspaper journalism. Lynn will speak at 3.30pm.

Psychologist Dr Jenny Boyd, 1960s model and ex-wife of drummer Mick Fleetwood, spent four years interviewing 75 world-famous musicians and published her findings in the book It’s Not Only Rock ‘n’ Roll. Iconic musicians including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Keith Richards, Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell shared with her their thoughts on creating music. Jenny will speak at 5.30pm.

Actor and author John Gordon Sinclair talks about his new crime thriller Blood Whispers. His acclaimed first book, Seventy Times Seven, was published in 2012 and described as ‘a remarkable first novel’ by The Times. John’s film debut in Gregory’s Girl in 1981 won him a BAFTA nomination for Best Newcomer. John will speak at 7.30pm.

Tickets for each of the three speakers cost £7.50. Call 01227 281174.

The festival will also feature many contemporary authors, including former Children’s Laureate Anthony Brown, who will host a children’s event called the Shape Game at the Horsebridge Centre on Sunday, May 11, at £5 per child.

For full WhitLit listings, visit www.whitlit.co.uk

W SOMERSET MAUGHAM EVENTS AT WhitLit

A one-off performance of the critically acclaimed one-man play Mr Maugham at Home, starring Tony Smee who appeared in The Queen and the English Patient, will be a festival highlight at Whitstable’s Playhouse Theatre on Thursday, May 8, at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £12. Call 01227 272042.

A documentary screening and debate called The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham with his biographer Selina Hastings will be held at the Horsebridge Centre on Friday, May 9, at 8.45pm. Tickets cost £7.50. Call 01227 281174.

On Saturday, May 10, a walk of Maugham’s Whitstable will be held, meeting at Whitstable Castle Tearooms at noon. Free.

A Cakes and Tales book sale and afternoon tea will be held on Saturday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm at All Saints Church, where Maugham’s uncle was once the vicar.

On Sunday, May 11, a Cakes and Ale book debate will be held in the lecture hall of Whitstable Library at 11am. Free.

For full WhitLit listings, visit www.whitlit.co.uk