Hilary Mantel, Honorary President - Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival 2012

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival is now in its fourth flourishing year. Our inspired artistic director, Susan Ward, backed by an enthusiastic committee, has once again persuaded the literati that Budleigh is the place to be, and plans to lay before you a banquet of varied delights.

I’m not sure if I should describe myself as a delight, but I will certainly be with you to read from my new novel, Bring Up The Bodies, which will be published in May. When I read at last year’s festival, it didn’t exist; but now, my projected two novels about Thomas Cromwell have become three. I attribute it entirely to Budleigh air and Budleigh society.

I am still a newcomer, having arrived in Marine Parade on the first day of spring, 2011, and I felt honoured to be asked to take over the presidency of the festival. I succeed Sue Lawley, who will be much missed, and who brought an elegance to the role I fear I may lack. I’ll do my best.

Please come along in 2012 and be a member of our keen and kindly audience. We would like to make our festival famous, as much for the welcome we offer as for the quality of our events. Budleigh Salterton is the perfect festival town, and I am here with a new publishing contract in my hand, to convince all our guests and prospective guests of its inspirational effect.

Hilary Mantel
Honorary President
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival