A day that just kept getting better.

Day 3 was amazing, with so much on offer for everyone. Bookie is very much a family friendly event, and we kicked off with Margate Waves, our fun activities for 3 – 7 year olds, with the wonderful Sam Gayton and Kat Lewis sharing the creative work of their sessions leading up to the festival. The sessions were sponsored by KCC and Reconnect.

Maggie Gee was a joy to listen to, and an ‘enjoyable and informative‘ experience. Reading from her latest novel, The Red Children, she explained why she based the story in the local area, and asked why Thanet is such a pull for creatives, such as Tracy Emin. Then, social media sensation Felicity Hayward joined us to share her thoughts on her career as a plus-size model and give us a sneak peek at her new book, Does My Butt Look Big In This?

As evening approached, we moved from the Turner Contemporary and set our sights on Elsewhere, a fab venue off the High Street, where we had a great night ahead of us. The Live Launch at Elsewhere was our first in-person event, celebrating the release of  The Open Arms Zine, an acceptance and welcoming-themed collection of amazing creativity. With readings from Ann Lloyd, Pauline Holmes, Craig Brown, Amanda Jones, Melissa Todd, and Nina Telegina, it was the perfect way to send it off into the world.

And then our biggie, The Bookie Poetry Slam. Hosted by Connor Sansby of Whisky and Beards, The Repeat Beat Poet awed us with his amazing poetry, and ten poets performed their best pieces before bearing witness to an epic battle for the Kent Poetry Championship belt. This year, the poetry titans of reigning champion Sam Tate and Faversham Literary Festival Slam winner Ciaran Barata-Hynes went head to head in a three-round war of words, with Ciaran emerging victorious.

And all with one more day to go.