Julie Christie Set for Holf Festival

Iconic British actor Julie Christie has confirmed that she will appear at this year's Holt Festival in North Norfolk.

She will appear alongside her friend Sir John Hurt in a programme of readings from the "Why Grown Men Cry" collection edited by father and son team Anthony and Ben Holden on Wednesday 22 July at 4pm at The Lawns Hotel, Holt. Julie will read poems by Pablo Neruda of whom she is very fond.

Sir John is taking part in the event, despite his recent announcement that he is receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer. Ms Christie, who has known Sir John for many years, told festival artistic director Charles Pugh that she was not surprised he was going ahead with the commitment, saying: "He always was a trooper."

Her husband, former Guardian crime correspondent and author Duncan Campbell is also appearing at the Festival. On Tuesday 21 July he is presenting a talk at the Festival titled 'Why is crime so glamorous', examining our enduring fascination with crime, from Dick Turpin to the recent Hatton Garden heist.

This is thought to be her first public appearance in Norfolk since she played the leading female role in the 1971 film The Go-Between, starring opposite Alan Bates. The film was shot in various Norfolk locations.

Holt Festival runs from 19 - 26 July. Other highlights include appearances by Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Dr John Cooper Clarke, Jeffrey Archer, Dame Stella Rimmington, Jenny Eclair, Michael Buerk, The Puppini Sisters, the world premiere of Hello Mr Gershwin, Cirque du Cabaret, a new musical from Seastar Opera and last year's hit Edinburgh drama Lorraine & Alan. There is also an extensive programme of visual art including an exhibition of pop art with original works by Andy Warhol, Patrick Caulfield, David Hockney, Gilbert & George and others.

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