Sturminster Newton Literary Festival- Easter 2024
More events, news, and a last chance to use your early bird voucher.
Our 2024 programme is now in place, with several additional events added since the last literary festival newsletter. You’ll now find crime writers, a Zoom talk set in Lyme Regis, more walks, and a talk on writing Black Beauty in the programme. Did you know there were ghosts in Sturminster Newton? There’s also poetry with Robin Walter, a naval talk by Jim Carter, and a Hardy-themed film night. Even better, your early bird voucher is still valid until 11 April 24. When you book an event, simply add the code SNLFEARLYBIRD24 at checkout, and you should get £2 or a 20-25% discount on your tickets. Our print programmes will be distributed in mid-April. You can see an overview of the main festival programme here.
Running on Empty- The Remarkable Journey of Col Guy Deacon CBE
We are delighted that Colonel Guy Deacon, CBE, will speak at the Sturminster Newton Literary Festival on June 14th about his experiences driving through Africa while living with stage three Parkinson’s Disease. Guy not only lived a boyhood dream but also helped spread the word to demystify Parkinson’s Disease in parts of West Africa where the condition is still regarded with suspicion. Guy’s book, Running on Empty, is released on World Parkinson’s Day on 11 April, and a documentary on Channel Four will feature his remarkable journey. Read more about Guy Deacon’s journey from a recent article in the BV Magazine here. Tickets can be booked via this link.
42 The Wildly Improbable Ideas of Douglas Adams
When we contacted Kevin J Davies to confirm arrangements to speak at the literary festival, he was in Los Angeles! So, we’re thrilled that he’s coming to talk about his colleague Douglas Adams in North Dorset, also associated with the author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Kevin has written a book from the early papers of Douglas Adams, aptly named 42. Douglas Adams lived in Stalbridge and wrote much of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy there. So, don’t forget your towel- and come to this interesting talk on 8th June. Tickets are available here.
Writing Black Beauty
Black Beauty inspired many people to ride horses. However, there’s much more to the story. Any animal lover will enjoy the talk on Writing Black Beauty by Celia Brayfield on 8th June. She’ll discuss how Anna Sewell not only wrote the classic book but also championed animal welfare. Tickets are available here.
Reverse Rett
One of our team members, Matt is taking part in a sponsored run in support of Revere Rett. He’d appreciate any sponsors.
Other Interesting Events
Sherborne Travel Writing Festival
It’s your last chance to get tickets for the Sherborne Travel Writing Festival, which will be held from 5 to 8 April. If you missed out on Brian Jackman at last year’s SturlitFest, he’s on the Sherborne programme.