Sturminster Newton Literary Festival News April 2023
With news of writing workshops and some free events.
The planning and organisation of the 2023 Sturminster Newton Literary Festival are in full flow. The programme is heading to the printers imminently, and we are finalising more details. All our events can be viewed online via the festival website, which also links to our booking system on Eventbrite.
Writing Workshops
Our writing workshops are back by popular demand. This year we have three workshops facilitated by experts. John Jenkins leads a self-publishing workshop on 20 May. On 24 June, there’s a nature writing workshop by Sarah Steele. Finally, on 15 July, Val Bridge is facilitating a writing workshop on family saga. The workshops are designed for all levels of writers.
Free Talks on Stained Glass Windows
We’re delighted to be working with St Mary’s Church in Sturminster Newton, which is famous for its stained glass. The church will be hosting a series of free talks during festival week, each exploring the literary connections with the church and stained glass. On Monday, 5 June, there’s a talk on the Harry Clarke window (photo above) and the connection to Thomas Hardy. The links to the stained glass windows and William Barnes event is on Tues, 6 June. A talk exploring the connections between Robert Young and the Rev. J.C. Mansel-Pleydell stained glass window is on Thursday, 8 June.
Finally, a talk on the Mary Lowndes stained glass windows is on Friday, 9 June. All talks are free (donations to the church are appreciated).
Selling Fast!
Our walks programme is always popular. The last few places for the Rupert Brooke poetry and walk event at Shillingstone Station are available here. There are still a few places left for the Robert Young walk on 30 April and for the Tess themed Marnhull walk on 25 May.
More Talks to Book
Perhaps we can tempt you with some of our other talks, all available to book. Libby Page will be talking about her vintage clothing book on 8 June, accompanied by a pre-loved fashion show. Another fiction writer, Elisabeth Conway, will discuss her approach to historical fiction on Friday, 9 June. Matthew Harffy talks about the Dark Ages and how it influences his writing on 10 June. We’re also looking forward to the talk by Michael Langridge in conversation with Dr Tracy Hayes on the sequel to Tess of the D’Urbervilles on 9 June.
Non-fiction fans will find talks on a range of subjects, from nature writing to helicopter test piloting and cider production. There are also talks on wildlife and Dorset. We’re also looking forward to hearing about Felice Hardy’s grandmother, who escaped the Nazis and went on to play tennis at Wimbledon.
From Sturminster Newton to the White House: The Fuller Sisters in America
The Fuller Sisters sang in music halls at the beginning of the 20th century and also lived in Sturminster Newton. A new play has been written as a dramatic monologue and will premiere on 5 June. Book your tickets here.