The inaugural day of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature played host to a melting pot of conversation, storytelling and insightful dialogue from a host of literary titans, discussing everything from space to social media.

Highlights of the day included a panel of superwomen including Sue Nelson (Wally Funk’s Race for Space), Kate Pankhurst (Fantastically Great Women) and Nicola Tallis (Elizabeth’s Rival: The Tumultuous Tale of Lettice Knollys) discuss the most inspiring ‘Women in History’, from the Suffragettes to Queen Elizabeth.

Children’s author and illustrator Tony de Saulles brought his illustrious ‘Bee Boy’ to life, teaching children the importance of bees and conservation.

Legendary ballerina and Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell mesmerised audiences with tales of her inspiring career as a ballerina and excerpts from her stunning autobiography ‘Evolve’.

Finally, astronauts from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre revealed their plans for space travel to a full house of eager UAE fans.

Images of Day One of the festival can be viewed and downloaded here.