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Penny Mordaunt – Pomp and Circumstance  

 

Penny Mordaunt, who in her ceremonial role as Lord President of the Privy Council famously carried the Sword of State and presented the Sword of Offering to King Charles III at his coronation, examines areas of traditional British culture – including the monarchy, Parliament, the law, sport and local traditions, as well as values including sacrifice, courage and remembrance. She shows how a country often thought of as old-fashioned actually uses its unique historical conventions to navigate the future.   

Far from being a brake on progress, British traditions – from the magnificent to the silly – offer a predictable rhythm to life, promote values, encourage reflection and create a sense of continuity while allowing room for innovation and growth. 

 

Chaired by Jonathan Morrell

 

“This book is the antidote to Britain’s crisis of confidence. Our traditions and values help us face the future and they should be celebrated.”Iain Dale, LBC

Pomp & Circumstance is a classy reminder to the doom-mongers and cynics who want to write Britain off that they do so at their peril.”Jonathan Ashworth, Labour Together

 

Booking Information

  • Priority Booking for Festival Friends opens at 08.00 on Friday 27th of February. Tickets go on general sale from Monday 2nd March.
  • Our concession tickets are available to Friends of the Festival, those on benefits and students.
  • Hearing loops are available for Theatre and Library events. Carers qualify for free ‘essential companion’ tickets. Wheelchair spaces are limited. In all cases, please call the Box Office on 01434 652477 to book or email: boxoffice@queenshall.co.uk.
  • Tickets cannot be refunded but can be exchanged for other Book Festival events.
  • All bookings are subject to a booking fee of £1.50 per transaction.

 

Back to 2026 programme 

 

Location

Theatre, Queen's Hall, Hexham

Date

02 May 2026

Time

7:45 pm - 8:45 pm

Cost

£12.50 / £10.50

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