By now, you may have spotted our festival brochure in and around town- and beyond. We have managed to distribute far and wide this year, including to Somerset and Wiltshire. Distributing and speaking to people has enabled us to network more and talk about Sturminster Newton and the festival.
Festival Tickets
Tickets for most events are selling well. We use Eventbrite for online sales and also have tickets available in the 1855 Building in Sturminster Newton. 1855 is being used for three events this year. The Tennis Champion Who Escaped the Nazis, the Lost Orchards of Dorset, and the event with Libby Page and the Vintage Shop of Second Chances will all be held in this refurbished ex-bank.
There’s a lot to choose from this year’s programme. We have a range of talks, from Michael Langridge’s sequel to Tess of the D’Urbervilles to Elisabeth Conway talking about historical fiction and her trilogy set in Singapore. Jon Woolcott will be speaking about his new book Real Dorset which has seen audiences sold out across the county. You can also hear about the experiences of a test pilot from Chris Taylor and be transported back to the Dark Ages with historical fiction by Matthew Harffy.
If you like nature, book a ticket for Brian Jackman’s Wild About West Dorset talk or Jane V Adams outlining the moments marking the seasons in Nature’s Wonders.
A play with music on the Fuller Sisters of Sturminster Newton is on 5 June and will highlight a little-known aspect of the town’s history.
Book Fair
On 10 June there will be a book fair in The Exchange. It’s free to browse- and with several interesting stalls to choose from, you’ll find lots of reading material. There’s also a chance to meet Bella J Dark, the world record holder as the youngest female author to write and illustrate a book.
Free Stained Glass Talks
During the festival week, St Mary’s Church will be giving a series of free talks on aspects of the stained glass windows. Hear about Harry Clarke’s connections to Thomas Hardy, the links with William Barnes, Robert Young’s connections to the windows, and of course, Mary Lowndes. Sturminster Newton is fortunate to have stained glass by two of the most famous artists of the twentieth century- Mary Lowndes and Harry Clarke. Talks are free, with donations to the church appreciated.
Festival Bookshop
Our 2023 festival bookshop is now online at UK Bookshop. Please take a look at the books and our other Dorset and Wessex-themed bookshelves. We receive a small affiliate payment for any sales, which is used to fund future festivals.