FlipSide, the literature and arts festival with a Latin Beat returns to Snape Maltings, the home of Aldeburgh Music, this October.
Over the first weekend of October 2015 (2, 3, 4), the Aldeburgh Music campus will pulsate with the sights and sounds of Latin America. The festival kicks off with an electrifying opening night dance party with Brazilian funk band The Fontanas and Latin DJs Aroop Roy and Movimientos’ Cal Jader; Saturday evening promises an exhilarating double bill with Mayra Andrade, the captivating Cape Verde singer whose music is infused with Creole, Portuguese and Brazilian influences, plus The London Tango Orchestra with special guests, virtuoso Argentinian tango singer and dancer Leonardo Suarez Paz and his wife Olga Suarez Paz.
This year FlipSide welcomes literary luminaries from around the globe, including BAFTA award-winning playwright, Sir David Hare (The Hours and The Reader) talking about his new memoir, The Blue Touch Paper, Louis de Bernières (Captain Corelli’s Mandolin) discussing his acclaimed latest novel, The Dust that falls from Dreams, plus much-loved leading novelists Joanna Trollope, Nicci French, Julia Blackburn and Esther Freud. They will be joined by Mexican writers, Juan Pablo Villalobos and Chloe Aridjis, Brazilian writers Fernanda Torres and Cristavão Tezza, and Angolan-born José Eduardo Agualusa, winner of the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize, talking about his new novel, A General Theory of Oblivion. Two celebrated nature writers, Tim Dee and Patrick Barkham, will talk about their work and the New Writing Competition winners will be announced.
New for 2015 are the Foyle Writing Workshops where participants can learn the art of memoir writing with Costa nominated writer, Julia Blackburn or turn their hand to crime writing with Michelle Spring.
This year FlipSide has expanded its Children’s Programme and has over 20 events on offer throughout the weekend suitable for all ages and budgets. Particular attention has been paid to ensuring there are events suitable for young adult readers (13+), and the festival is pleased to be welcoming Lisa Williamson, James Dawson, Andy Mulligan and Map of Me – a play about identity and immigration. Emily Gravett, Josh Lacey, Jonny Duddle and Brazil’s Fabio Sombra will be there to keep the younger ones entertained, plus Beano and Marvel contributor Kev F Sutherland, who will be holding workshops and giving away all his comic book secrets!
Genevieve Christie, Executive Director said: “2015 promises to be our most vibrant and enjoyable FlipSide yet – wonderful UK and international authors for adults and children plus world class music and art – a joyful taste of Latin America for all the family.”
Throughout the weekend there will be a free art exhibition of prints by Brazilian-born artist, Ana Maria Pacheco, a selection of compelling portraits of great writers, by award-winning Guardian photographer Eamonn McCabe, and an opportunity to take part in the international Big Draw with live models and all art materials provided free of charge.
The Big Top Tent will buzz with free live music, freshly cooked Latin American food, Latin American crafts and stalls and of course dancing, ranging from Salsa and Tango to Capoeira and Maracatu, all adding to the energetic festival vibe.
For further information on FlipSide and to view the full programme of events visit the website www.flipsidefestival.org.
