Today is the first of a regular column from Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival. Over the coming months we’ll hear about the exciting plans for the festival, which is due to take place from 15-19 September this year.
So, the countdown has begun. After a challenging year for us all, we’re looking forward with optimism and excitement to this year’s festival, when we plan to stage more than 60 events, including author talks, workshops and kids’ sessions, in the town. Although there are still some details to clarify as the government rolls out its roadmap out of lockdown, we’re delighted to be planning an ‘in person’ festival.
It’s hard to believe that a year ago a virtual festival would have been something we would stage, but thanks to our amazing committee and production team, we were able to do this last September. And although it was no substitute for the brilliant atmosphere and the lively vibe the festival brings to the town, it did give us the chance to reach to people from further afield.
Established in 2008, the festival brings exciting writers, thinkers, experts and opinion formers to Budleigh. There are also lots of events for families to enjoy in our marquee on The Green and at locations around the town. We’re lucky to be supported by local and national sponsors, and we’ll be telling you more about them over the coming weeks.
Alongside the festival, our schools’ team will be delivering their outreach activities, taking authors and illustrators into local schools, helping to promote a love of reading and books. Over the years, we’ve become well known for our stunning covers, and we can’t wait to reveal this year’s, which has been created by the talented printmaker Cathy King.
Our committee are busy arranging this year’s event and festival artistic director Annie Ashworth is working on a fantastic range of authors, we can’t wait to share all the details with you - we’ll announce the line up at the end of June.
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www.budlitfest.co.uk