Talks Stage

For tickets click here.

The Talks Stage is hosted by John Andrews and Will Burns.

Elizabeth Alker is a presenter for BBC Radio 3, where she hosts Unclassified and the afternoon show, Classical Live. Her first book Everything We Do is Music was published to wide critical-acclaim in 2025.

‘Revelation after revelation . . . I love music more for reading it.’ Guy Garvey

Stuart Bailie, NME veteran, a music journalist and author from Belfast. He has rolled with Tom Waits and Shane MacGowan. He has encountered Nina Simone, Björk, Sinéad O’Connor and Dave Grohl. Stuart will be discussing his new book ‘The Song Is Nearly Over’

‘Bailie writes with tremendous skill and authority’ – The Quietus

Owen Williams, is frontman of The Tubs, whose music has been featured in The New Yorker, the Guardian, Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. ‘Atrocity Exhibitions: Grieving in the TikTok Underworld’ is a short sharp literary shock from the acclaimed songwriter and musician.(The Tubs play the Woodland Stage later in the evening)

‘Already one of the UK’s most intriguing and arresting singer-songwriters, Owen Williams’ non-fiction debut will stick to your bones.’ Jude Rogers

Sam Reid is editor of Field, a biannual literary magazine that platforms emerging UK voices alongside established novelists and poets. Sam will be discussing his new book, The Pin Jar, published by Rough Trade Books earlier this year.

“So hauntingly lyrical… an extraordinary trip for your imagination. I adored it.”  Maxine Peake