James Brown, the talkSPORT host and founder of the influential Loaded magazine, is appearing at the Broadstairs Pavilion on May 11, as part of BroadstairsLit – the festival that offers literary events all year round.
The journalist, broadcaster and media entrepreneur will be sharing stories from a colourful career that spans landing his jet-setting dream job on NME at 22 years old, to working on the Sunday Times and becoming editor-in-chief at GQ – where he gave a then unknown Jamie Oliver his first recipe column.
He will also be signing copies of his new book Above Head Height (Quercus) – on sale via Waterstones on the night – which celebrates his passion for five-a-side football.
Brown, who grew up in Headingley, Leeds alongside Leeds and England player Allan Clarke, has played five-a-side with everyone from Spandau Ballet to the Sex Pistols and once played on Robbie Williams’ football pitch at his home in Los Angeles.
Above Head Height was created after the sudden death of one of his long-standing team mates – leading Brown to ponder the unique bond between men who meet only to play football and know nothing of each other beyond pitch prowess. It explores man’s strange and fascinating relationship with the beautiful game.
He said: “Football is a way for men to get together, especially when they are older. It’s an opportunity to chat, laugh and feel part of something.”
This is an ethos that chimes with isle charity The Broadstairs Town Shed which will benefit from the event. The James Brown evening will include a raffle sponsored by House of Martin, Broadstairs, and leading clothing brand MA.STRUM, with the proceeds going to the charity.
Denise Martin-Harker,director of BroadstairsLit, says the event is not just for football fans: “James is a brilliant raconteur and this will be an enthralling and entertaining evening for all, whether you like the game or not! It’s also a wonderful chance to support a very worthwhile local charity.”
Tickets are £10, including a drink, and are available online from BroadstairsLit.co.uk or direct from House of Martin, 60 High St. Broadstairs.
Group discounts are available for local football clubs.