Television and radio’s biggest stars will gather at Hampton Court Palace next month as Radio Times hosts its first ever festival.
Superstar names of the small screen such as Sir Bruce Forsyth, Sir David Attenborough and Doctor Who Peter Capaldi are among those appearing at more than 70 sessions at the Radio Times Festival from September 24 to 27.
Tickets start from £10 for adults - cheaper for children – and give you entry to the festival ground with its free exhibits, bookshop and food village.
There’s lots going on, including talks from the stars of your favourite shows such as Endeavour and Silent Witness but Vibe’s picked just 10 highlights you must see:
Shaun the Sheep Model Making
Aardman, the creators of Shaun the Sheep, Wallace and Gromit and Morph will be on hand to offer some ewe-nique workshops so you can learn how to make your own claymation model and take them home. It’s suitable for ages five and up and is happening at various times throughout the weekend. £6 children and £10 adults.
Paul Hollywood Unbaked
The Great British Bake Off judge with the piercing blue eyes will talk all things baking and share tips and advice from 4pm to 5pm on Friday. Tickets cost £18 adults and £6 children.
On Air with Annie Nightingale
Radio DJ Annie Nightingale discusses her six decades in music, from the Beatles to Ibiza, with Edith Bowman from 7.30pm to 8.30pm on the Friday. Tickets cost £12 adults, £6 children.
EastEnders at 30
The landlord of the Queen Vic Danny Dyer and Natalie Cassidy will join executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins for some behind-the-scenes insight into the ever-popular soap which celebrates 30 years since it was first broadcast. From 2.30pm to 3.30pm on Saturday. £15 adults and £6 children.
From Gruffalo to Stick Man: Storytelling with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Their children’s books have sold zillions and you can sit down with the pair for an hour of storytelling, sing-along and live drawing. Go on a journey with Stick Man, learn how to be a dragon with Zog or venture into the woods with the Gruffalo. There’ll also be a chance to get a sneak peek of the animated Stick Man film which will be on BBC1 this Christmas. From 10am to 11am on Sunday. Adults £12, children £6.
Doctor Who
The Doctor himself, Peter Capaldi, will join creative chief Steven Moffat and executive producer Brian Minchin to talk about the show from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on the Friday (adults £20, children £6), while the man who inspired Who’s reboot – Russell T Davies – will discuss his career, from Queer as Folk to Cucumber from 4pm to 5pm the same day (£15/£6). Authors Simon Guerrier and Dr Marek Kukula will discuss their book The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who from 5.30pm to 6.30pm (£12/£6).
Thomas the Tank Engine
Celebrate the 70th anniversary of Thomas by checking in with storyteller Liz Fost from 1pm to 2pm on Saturday. Tickets £10 adults or £6 children.
Sir David Attenborough: Natural Wonder
National treasure Sir David Attenborough will take the audience through his six decades of broadcasting and will also become the inaugural member of the Radio Times Hall of Fame. From 8pm to 9.30pm on Thursday. Tickets £40.
Sir Bruce Forsyth
Brucie, the Guinness World Record holder for the longest career of any male entertainer, will appear as he prepares to publish his autobiography Strictly Bruce. He’ll share anecdotes and take questions from noon to 1pm on Sunday. Adults £15, children £6. Strictly fans will also enjoy Life After Strictly from 2pm to 3pm, in which ex-contestants including Russell Grant, Deborah Meaden and The One Show’s Alex Jones discuss their time on the show and backstage gossip.
The Real Wolf Hall: Tudor Palace Tour of Hampton Court
TV historian and joint chief curator for the Historic Royal Palaces, Tracy Borman, will take you on a 90-minute tour of the Tudor Palace at Hampton Court from 12.30pm on Friday, with unprecedented access and insight into the building made famous by the likes of Wolf Hall. Tickets cost £30 for adults and include entry to the palace.
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