Ali Smith
Sunday 29th June at 2.30 pm 2025
The Hesse Lecture
At the Britten Studio, Snape Maltings
With her “unparalleled ability to blend the personal with the political”, leading author Ali Smith takes as her topic for this year’s Hesse Lecture the Festival theme: dissolved in sound.
One of the great philosopher-novelists of our time, Smith grapples courageously with the big themes of life and draws connections between the great and the small, the universal and the local. Like great music, her work goes deep into the questions of who we are and why we’re here - and perhaps points us towards the answers.
Ali Smith is widely celebrated for her innovative storytelling, insightful social commentary, and ability to play with language and form. Her fans include literary critics, fellow authors, and readers who appreciate the depth and originality in her work.
Ali’s books will be available to buy in the foyer, courtesy of Aldeburgh Bookshop.
Julia Blackburn
At the Aldeburgh Bookshop
At 5 pm on Saturday 28th June
In association with Britten Pears Arts, as part of the Aldeburgh Music Festival Big Day Out in Aldeburgh,
Julia Blackburn will be giving a reading. Tickets are free, but space is limited so you need to book here.
Join Suffolk-based author Julia Blackburn as we tread in the footprints of the ancients at Bawsdey with a reading from her book Time Song, and hear a comical tale from her book Threads.
Both books will be available to purchase at the event.
Please note this is a standing event with only limited seating available. Booking is required.