With the 2022 Cuckfield BookFest set to open next month, the organisers are reminding readers that online booking for events is now open. Sheila Mortimer explained: “We had a terrific number of bookings, as soon as ticket sales opened at the beginning of this month – which is great news. Although we do have limited capacity in the Queen’s Hall, so one or two events have already sold out – including the talk by Richard Osman, which we knew would be popular.” There is a packed and wide-ranging programme on offer at BookFest, including court judge Wendy Joseph (Unlawful Killings), David Hendy (The BBC – a people’s history) and award-winning poet Raymond Antrobus (All The Names Given) who will be discussing his work, which has recently been added to the 2022 GSCE English Literature syllabus. For children and families there are events taking place at The Old School including authors Katie Kirby (The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks), Andrew Pettie (The Big Britannica Quiz) and Cuckfield’s own Sue Monroe (The Magnificent Moon Hare). “As usual we are very grateful to our sponsors,” Sheila explained. Luke Mitchell, teacher of English at Hurstpierpoint College, told us: “At Hurstpierpoint College we are delighted to sponsor and support Cuckfield BookFest. It is a wonderful event and we wish everyone an enriching and enjoyable festival this year.” It will be a weekend packed with interest and entertainment – starting with a Literary Quiz in The Talbot on Thursday 6th October. Cuckfield BookFest takes place between 6th and 9th October and the full programme can be found and booked online at: www.cuckfieldbookfest.co.uk