From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads: A Bowie Odyssey. James Briggs discovers what life, love & Life on Mars? really mean via an epic cycle ride

James Briggs had never known what David Bowie's Life on Mars? meant. And twenty-five years later with a career stealing his soul, a relationship in stasis and a hairline in furious retreat, life on earth had him cornered. So when a lightning bolt of inspiration strikes, he leaves everything behind to cycle one of the song's lyrics, 'From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads' to discover what life, love and Life on Mars? really mean.

What followed was life-affirming, inspirational and often hilarious. Criss-crossing Europe, he visited French chateaus where Bowie recorded, Spanish Olympic stadiums he played, former communist states where his music was banned, and the Berlin Wall he helped topple - all while navigating angry Soviet ballerinas, suspicious village mayors, and an irate Cliff Richard fan.

James found kindred spirits and a new love (and occasionally hatred) for cycling as he discovered what happens when, instead of following the crowd, you follow the lyrics and music of the greatest artist of the 20th century. As the world reconsiders its priorities, From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads is a clarion call to embrace the strange, blaze your own path, and live as fearlessly as the Starman himself.

Copies of James' book will be available to purchase at the Festival and there'll be a dedicated book signing after his event.

About the Author:

James Briggs is a writer specialising in music and travel. His debut book following a David Bowie song lyric, ‘From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads’ was first released in autumn 2025 - the paperback edition is set for release in September 2026.

James has written for The Guardian, The Irish Times, Cycling Weekly and various travel magazines.

Born to Yorkshire parents, but growing up in Somerset, he’s equally comfortable with ‘eh ups’ and ‘wassons,’ improvising in London where he now lives.

Description supplied by the event organiser.