Give the gift of stories: The LitFest that's not just for book lovers
Sponsored: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is an event for the whole family…
With a page-turning plethora of celebrity talks and activities, there’s something to entertain even the most reluctant reader at the 2020 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. With more than 150 big-name speakers packed into one February week, now’s the perfect time to grab some tickets and give the gift of stories.
Great gifts for thrill seekers
For the adventurous spirit in your life, there’s an awe-inspiring roster of speakers that have ventured far into the wilderness and lived to tell the tale. These include legendary explorers Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Sir Chris Bonington, who will be sharing their incredible stories, and Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati astronaut to travel into space, discussing his recent voyage and the future of the UAE’s space programme.
Finest female award-winning writers
Britain’s favourite baker Nadiya Hussein is in town to chat about life as a celebrity mum and lots more – but, more importantly, will she be bringing cake? The line-up is crammed with award-winners, including Tayari Jones discussing her devastating novel An American Marriage, which won the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Christina Dalcher also brings her acclaimed novel Vox to the writing table – it’s a nightmarish dystopia sure to appeal to fans of The Handmaid’s Tale that, along with a ticket to her event, would make a cracking double whammy of a gift for any self-respecting feminist.
Young dreamers: great gifts for kids
There’s plenty for young adults with hit authors like Joshua Raven and his popular world of 5fingers, Alwyn Hamilton charting his epic Rebel of the Sands series, and a dive into Maz Evan’s hilarious introduction to Greek mythology, Who Let the Gods Out. Younger children can get stuck in with workshops and entertaining talks from the likes of beloved picture book author Oliver Jeffers. Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock launches little ones into space with her Tours of the Universe, and Dubai’s own Magic Phil is on hand to weave some captivating tales.
Get a festival pass or enjoy the fringe for free
Brand new to the 2020 LitFest is the Festival Pass, which gives you access to all of the general sessions taking place (Dhs499 for the full weekend, or Dhs299 for a Friday or Saturday day pass). Special events, workshops and masterclasses are ticketed separately, but with more than 200 events, there’s a LOT to choose from. And if you just want to see what all the fun is about, the Festival Fringe has loads more going on, and it’s absolutely free!
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 2020 takes places from February 4 to 9 at the InterContinental, Dubai Festival City. Tickets start at Dhs39 for children and Dhs59 for adults.