Agenda

What links Sylvia Plath, El Cid, Judit Polgar, General Franco, and Javier Bardem doing karaoke in his undies? A conundrum that could only be answered by a city as unique and unexpected as Benidorm. But what is Benidorm? How did its present form come about, with its distinctive architecture and economy, and its larger – and lairier – than life reputation? Rising from its tranquil bay like a misplaced Manhattan, it has been challenging preconceived notions ever since Mayor Pedro Zaragoza Orts drew up plans to revive his poverty-stricken fishing village back in the 1950s. So, is the Mediterranean’s most successful holiday resort a vision of heaven or hell? Think you know Benidorm? Think again.

Matthew Clapham is originally from northwest England, but realised at a young age on a family trip to France that his destiny lay beyond the narrow confines of the island of his birth. After studying Spanish language and literature, and teaching English on three continents, he settled in Spain, where he works as a translator. Gradually sliding down the Mediterranean coast from Girona near the French border, he ended up in Alicante.

Looking Down on Benidorm is the result of his ongoing exploration of the unseen history and cultural implications of his neighbouring town, and the light it casts on the societies of both his original and adopted homelands.

More of his writing can be found online at substack.com/@matthewclapham and medium.com/@matthewclapham. He is also the founder and editor of the publication Iberospherical (medium.com/Ibero spherical).

The Event will start with an interview, there will be readings, and a Q&A. Refreshments will be served and there will be a signing. The event is free, places are limited, and we ask that you buy a 3€ voucher, redeemable at the event.