A Journey into Clay with Jennifer Lucy Allan

Calling all claymakers, potters, artists and lovers of the land – this is where earth and imagination meet. In her mesmerising new book Clay: A Human History, writer and broadcaster Jennifer Lucy Allan unearths the deep, resonant story of one of the world’s most ancient, tactile and transformative materials. With poetic insight and atmospheric detail, she explores how clay has shaped human hands, culture and creativity.

Travelling across the UK and beyond, Allan meets potters, artists, walkers and sound-makers, weaving together memoir, history, geology, sound and environmental observation in a book that invites us to slow down, dig deep, and pay attention to the ground beneath our feet.

In a town with rich clay beds, a proud ceramics heritage and a thriving community of makers, this promises to be a truly grounded and inspiring conversation – perfect for anyone who works with their hands, walks the land, or listens closely to the world around them.

This event will be chaired by Julie Cross. Julie is the founder of Cave and Kiln, a creative studio and community hub in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter. With a background in ceramics and design, Julie has built a space where people come together to make, learn and connect through craft. She’s passionate about the power of creativity to spark confidence and community.

Please note: this event lasts for one hour, followed by an opportunity to purchase the book upstairs in The Clearing and have it signed by the author

FIND OUT MORE

Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, bold ideas and the power of storytelling – by the sea. Curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock (The Flames, Madame Matisse), this year’s programme features more than 50 events over 11 days, bringing together world-class writers, radical thinkers and unforgettable conversations – all inspired by Folkestone’s spirit of enabling creativity and transformative change.

We want the festival to be for everyone. That’s why we’ve introduced a £5 ticket – a no-questions-asked option for anyone who might be struggling to afford events.

And if you’re planning to come to more than a handful of events, don’t miss our great-value Festival Pass, which gives you access to all events (excluding classes, which need to be booked separately) for just £140.

There’s so much to discover – from headline talks to intimate workshops, big ideas to local voices. Check out the full programme, including our much-loved Local Talent Showcase and a new series of Creative Writing Workshops designed to spark your imagination.

We delighted that our onsite bookseller this year is Waterstones Folkestone.

We thank our major sponsor Saga and supporting sponsors Eurotunnel, Holiday Extras and Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival along with our Education Partner, Canterbury Christ Church University for making this year's festival possible. Creative Folkestone is also supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone and Hythe District Council and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.