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David Walliams brings star power to Franschhoek Literary Festival

Acclaimed children’s author David Walliams will sprinkle his comedic touch of celebrity gold dust over this year’s Franschhoek Literary Festival.

Richard Holmes
Written by
Richard Holmes
Contributor, South Africa
David Walliams
Photograph: Charlie Clift
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The Franschhoek Literary Festival will enjoy a little extra celebrity sparkle this year, with the news that actor, comedian and much-loved children's book author David Walliams will take to the stage at this year’s Festival.

Held each year on the third weekend in May (17-19, 2024), the Franschhoek Literary Festival is a cultural highlight of the year in the Cape Winelands. With renowned local and international authors – and thought leaders – on the bill, each year offers an exciting roster of informative, stimulating and challenging talks and readings.

The Festival embraces everything from serious literature and current events to the fine art of children’s fiction, and the appearance of Walliams this year is set to generate enormous new interest in the Festival. 

'We are hugely honoured and excited to host David Walliams, who has brought a love of reading into the lives of millions of children the world over,' said Jennifer Ball, the Festival’s programme director. 'His whimsical and hilarious stories will delight and enthral the whole family and his events at the FLF are guaranteed to erupt into belly laughs.'

Since his debut novel 'The Boy in the Dress', illustrated by Quentin Blake, hit shelves in 2008, Walliams has achieved worldwide success. He has sold more than 56 million books, with translations into 55 languages across 40 titles. Walliams’ most recent release – ‘Robodog’ – is a thrilling comic adventure, that topped the children's book sales charts for six weeks in 2023. His 2022 releases, including ‘Spaceboy’ and ‘The World’s Worst Pets’ have also been runaway hits.

Walliams will participate in both the main Festival and the Schools Festival hosted across the Franschhoek Valley, and the session featuring this much-loved celebrity guest is sure to spark a rush for tickets.

Ticket sales for the 2024 Franschhoek Literary Festival go live on 15 March 2024. Purchasing a FLF 2024 Membership (R500) provides early access (from March 8) to the programme and ticket booking, while becoming a Patron (R5000) offers access on March 5, as well as a concierge booking service. Membership and patronage fees support the Festival’s reading initiative, Franschhoek Reading. Find out more here.

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