MORE EXCITING EVENTS FOR CHRISTCHURCH WRITERS FESTIVAL

Almost 500 people crowded into the Charles Luney Auditorium at St Margaret’s College on March 11 for a wonderful presentation by Jung Chang, and she graciously stayed behind and signed hundreds of copies of her books.                 Judging by the murmurs of approval when we mentioned it to the audience, our night with Alexander McCall Smith on May 12 is going to be just as popular. The Auckland Writers’ Festival programme has been announced, and we are very fortunate to be hosting three of the visiting authors here in Christchurch: Alexander McCall Smith and Huw Lewis-Jones on May 12, and Jonathan Glancey on May 13.  HUW LEWIS-JONES: GEORGE LOWE’S PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CONQUEST OF EVEREST          Photographer and explorer George Lowe accompanied Sir Edmund Hilary on the famous 1953 ascent of Everest, stopping just short of the summit. He carried with him his Kodak Retina II, which he deposited in his sleeping bag overnight to keep it warm. Huw Lewis-Jones worked with Lowe on a book of the photographs from the expedition, The Conquest of Everest: Original Photographs from the Legendary First Ascent and will present a stunning slide show with images from the book and commentary, including excerpts from the letters George Lowe sent home. This will be an unmissable event. More info here. Charles Luney Auditorium, St Margaret’s College, Monday May 12, 6pm. $20 Book here AN HOUR WITH ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH     Spend a delightful hour in the company of one of the world’s finest storytellers. From Scotland to Botswana, and everywhere in between, be entertained by stories about The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon, the latest adventure in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, and the new standalone novel The Forever Girl. Alexander will be in conversation with Christopher Moore. More info here.  Charles Luney Auditorium, St Margaret’s College, Monday May 12, 8pm. $20. Book here JONATHAN GLANCEY BUILDING THE NEW JERUSALEM… BUILDING THE NEW SHANGHAIS     British architectural critic, writer and broadcaster Jonathan Glancey discusses the future of cities as globalism challenges local identities. This lecture will be particularly relevant to a Christchurch audience. More info here. Lecture Theatre D, CPIT Madras St, Tuesday May 13, 6pm. $15 Book here Huw Lewis-Jones, Alexander McCall Smith and Jonathan Glancey appear in partnership with Auckland Writers Festival, Alexander McCall Smith is also supported by British Council NZ and Jonathan Glancey is supported by the NZ Institute of Architects and the Sir Miles Warren Trust.   OTHER EVENTS - REMINDER MAO’S LAST DANCER Li Cunxin, the man known as Mao’s Last Dancer, will share his extraordinary story on Friday April 4 at the Aurora Centre at lunchtime. The seminar is free but tickets are limited, get your tickets here. The presentation starts at 1.00pm but please be seated by 12.50pm. NGAIO MARSH LECTURE Ngaio Marsh and the Science of Murder: The Ngaio Marsh Lecture with crime writer Vanda Symon. More information Sunday, April 13, 5-6pm, Old Boys’ Theatre, Christ’s College, tickets: $25. Please contact Philippa Bates – philbates@paradise.net.nz