As a society, there is a tendency to elevate romantic love. But what about friendships? Aren’t they just as – if not more – important?

Writer and journalist Elizabeth Day unpacks the significance and evolution of friendship from ghosting to frenemies, from the effects of social media to the impact of the global pandemic.  Blending personal experience from a lonely adolescence and an over-friended adulthood with the unique and powerful insights of others across the globe, Elizabeth searches for a language that can express friendship’s crucial influence on our world, and opens up on how we can each become a better friend not only to others, but also to ourselves.

Chaired by Liv Chapman

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Sponsored by Sarah Hickey:

‘Reading Elizabeth Day feels like listening to a friend. And reading her on this strangely neglected theme is a revelation. Friendships can mean as much, sometimes even more than family, and finally we have a book that treats the subject with the seriousness it deserves. And Day is the best possible guide: funny, moving, helpful and true, Friendaholic deserves a massive audience.’ Sathnam Sanghera

Booking Information

• Priority Booking for Festival Friends opens at 08.00 on Thursday 2nd of March. Tickets go on general sale from Saturday 4th March.
• Please note that a handling charge of 50p per ticket applies to bookings made in person or over the phone. No handling charges apply to online bookings.
• Hearing loops are available.  Carers qualify for free ‘essential companion’ tickets. Wheelchair spaces are limited. In all cases, please call the Box Office on 01434 652477 to book (booking fees will not apply).
• Tickets cannot be refunded but can be exchanged for other Book Festival events.