Literature Festival

Stars from the world of books join historians, campaigners and experts to bring fireworks to the 30th Richmond Literature Festival.

Book lovers will come face-to-face with best-selling authors to discuss their work and how people 'come back stronger' from the pandemic.

Among the many venues hosting events are the Orleans House Gallery; The Exchange, Twickenham; Whitton Sports Centre; and The Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington.

It begins on Friday, November 5, with a panel discussion led by bestselling author of The Burning Chambers Series, Kate Mosse, writer and filmmaker Juliet Jacques, and Sara Collins, author of The Confessions of Frannie Langton.

On Saturday at Orleans House Gallery, Anita Sethi, discusses her Wainwright Prize-nominated memoir 'I Belong Here' and the role of nature in healing.

Among the many other highlights is a discussion on the issue of climate change, which will be led campaigners Jonathon Porritt and Dr Alice Bell. It will be held at the Landmark Centre, on Sunday, November 7.

Elodie Harper discusses her much-praised novel The Wolf Den, which is described as a stunning first foray into historical fiction and explores Pompeii's infamous brothels, with BBC Radio 4 presenter Samira Ahmed.

Monique Roffey, winner of the 2020 Costa Book Of The Year for The Mermaid of Black Conch, joins Courttia Newland in conversation to discuss their approaches to exploring contemporary issues through literary fiction.

Other well-known participants in the Festival include journalist and author, Steve Richards; diplomat and intelligence chief, Peter Ricketts; New York Times-bestselling author Anne Sebba; and the author of Empireland, Sathnam Sanghera.

Twickenham's Milton Jones at Richmond Theatre

Gloriously daft TV comedian and local resident, Milton Jones, brings his one man show to Richmond Theatre on Sunday.

It appears the familiar face to residents, who has regularly performed at the Bearcat Comedy Club, has been hiding a secret.

For in his show, which is almost sold out, Milton reveals the truth about being an international spy before being given a disappointing new identity which forced him to appear on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and many other TV and radio shows.

Tickets available here.

Eel Pie Club

The home of rhythm a blues in Twickenham and Richmond present The Downliners Sect tonight – Thursday.

The show at the Cabbage Patch, opposite Twickenham Station, promises a night of 'pure rocking' from Don Craine's 60s cult heroes who are credited with inspiring music giants from David Bowie to Van Morrison.

The Downliners started out in Twickenham, on Eel Pie Island, and subsequently took over The Rolling Stones residency at Ken Colyers Club in London's West End.

Thee still attract crowds of thousands in Japan, Spain and Sweden, where their song, Little Egypt, reached Number One.

Today, the band includes original members, Don Craine (vocals/guitar) and Keith Grant (vocals/bass), plus Del Dwyer (vocals/guitar), John O'Leary (vocals/harmonica), and Mark Freeman (drums).

Mayor's Spooky and Firework Themed Quiz - York House

Themed Charity Quiz in aid of the Mayor's Charities A Dose of Nature and Habitats & Heritage on Friday, November 5.

Teams of 6-10 are invited to take part in the event which starts at 7pm. Buffet supper served at each table. Cash bar and raffle

https://www2.richmond.gov.uk/Richmondbookings/Details.aspx?Id=1245

Diwali

Discover Twickenham is celebrating Diwali this year with five dancers and three dhol drummers.

The Vasdapunjab Bhangra dancers will be performing outside shops throughout the town centre on Saturday from 1.30pm-4.30pm.

They will start from Twickenham Green before moving through Heath Road, King Street, Church Street and London Road.