Author Talks

Mike Gayle in Conversation

Saturday 23rd September 11am-12pm

We are honoured to be hosting best-selling author Mike Gayle in Conversation at The Hive!

He will be discussing his seminal and poignant novel All the Lonely People (2021) which is a reflection on the impact of isolation and how human connection ultimately triumphs. He will also be talking about his new release A Song of Me and You (2023).

Tickets to this event are £2.00 - book your place here.

Santa Barbara Poet Laureates

Wednesday 4th October 6:30pm-8pm

David Starkey served as Santa Barbara’s 2009-2011 Poet Laureate. The Founding Director of the Creative Writing Program at Santa Barbara City College, he is currently Co-editor of Anacapa Review and The California Review of Books, and Publisher and Co-editor of Gunpowder Press. His most recent book is Cutting It Loose.

Paul Willis served as Poet Laureate of Santa Barbara from 2011-2013. He has published seven collections of poetry, the most recent of which is Somewhere to Follow. His work was selected by Adrienne Rich for the Best American Poetry series and by Jane Hirshfield for the Small Poetry Press prize.

This event is FREE but booking is essential – book your place here.

Writing Witchcraft Showcase with Ruth Stacey

Wednesday 25th October 6:30pm-8pm

Join Ruth Stacey from the University of Worcester and guests for discussion about the figure of the witch in literature. Including readings that feature witchcraft and magic.

This event is FREE but booking is essential – book your place here.

Darren Oldridge, “Do We Still Need the Devil?”

Tuesday 31st October 7pm-8pm

This Halloween let’s spare a thought for the Devil. Once a huge and terrible figure in western culture, he is now largely a historical curiosity. But should we miss him? In this talk, Prof. Darren Oldridge explores some of the ways that people have engaged with the prince of darkness in the past and present, and the sometimes surprisingly positive results. This talk is not suitable for children.

This is a FREE event, but booking is essential - book your place here.