Sturminster Newton Literary Festival News- Mid April 2025
Our print programme is here and is being distributed around Dorset and the South West. We’re also posting a few to reading groups and followers further afield. If you would like programmes for groups or businesses, email us at info@sturlitfest.com, and we’ll send them to you. Tickets are still available online and also in person at 1855, Sturminster Newton. We also take phone bookings on 07353 079316.
Walks
Our walks programme is always in demand. We’re really fortunate with the magnificent Blackmore Vale countryside on our doorstep that inspired many writers. One of our most popular walks is at Marnhull on 12th June, where there’s a walk taking in the scenes linked to Tess of the D’Urbervilles. A new event this year is a short walk around Sturminster Newton, which will include stories of unusual deaths in the town. Naturally, with such a fascinating and macabre subject, just a few places are left. Finally, we have a nature-themed walk aimed at children on 12th June. Booking is essential for all our walks.
Spotlight on
The Hanging of Hettie Gale by Tess Burnett
When Dorset-based writer Tess Burnett won the 2022 Dorchester Literary Festival Prize for local writers, it was well deserved. The Hanging of Hettie Gale is not only Tess’ debut novel but also a masterful ghost story that encapsulates the author’s love of Dartmoor.
Set in an eighteenth-century Dartmoor village, the story focuses on young Hettie Gale, who finds herself pregnant and abandoned by her family after being abused by her father. She’s accused of drowning her young child and was hung for the crime. Then, in the present day, Alice is drawn to Dartmoor when she receives news that her cousin has gone missing from his cottage.
Throughout the novel, there’s a theme of malevolent revenge beyond the grave with the bleak Dartmoor scenery creating a mysterious sense of place. The sinister appearance of crows gives a sense of foreboding, similar to Daphne Du Maurier’s The Birds, but without the mass attacks. Instead, the ghostly tale weaves unease throughout the book until its climax. Will Alice solve the historic mystery or fall victim to revenge beyond the grave? Tess Burnett will be in conversation with Jo Durrant on 11th June where you’ll find out more about what inspires her to write and how she came to writing at a later stage in life. Tickets are available here, or treat yourself to an entire crime-themed day with our joint ticket that includes Tess and Rachel McLean.
2025 Writing Competition
It’s your last chance to enter our Festival Writing Competition, which has the theme of HOME. You can submit poetry or a short story, and all the details and information are on our website here. There are classes for adults and children, and entry is free. We are very grateful to Dorset Council for funding the competition and to the Hayward family of writers who are the 2025 adjudicators. There will be a prizegiving event at the festival on Sunday 8th June at 4:30pm.
Friends of Sturlitfest
There’s still time to become a Friend of Sturlitfest. For £10 a year, you can get a 20% discount on tickets (handy if you are still planning to book events) and a chance to become involved with the festival. Check out the benefits here, and to join, email info@sturlitfest.com. Membership runs from January to January each year.
Festival and Book Articles
Tess Burnett will be talking about her award-winning writing on 11th June. You can read more about Tess in this Dorset Echo article here.
We’re delighted Tracy Chevalier will be at Sturminster Newton Literary Festival on 13th June. Here’s an article from the Guardian about her latest book, The Glassmaker. Tickets for Tracy’s event are here, and Friday the 13th day tickets are here.
Rachael Rowe will be speaking about Dorset’s contribution to science on 14th June. Read an article about her science guidebook in the BV Magazine here.
Other Events in the Area
The Magic of Middle Earth- an exhibition at Shire Hall, Dorchester
Until June 14th there is an exhibition about the work of Tolkien at Shire Hall in Dorchester. The Magic Of Middle-Earth takes visitors on a journey beyond the books to explore that expansive artistic legacy.
Somerscience
Somerscience is on Monday, May 5th, at the Haynes Museum in Sparkford, near Yeovil. For a day, there will be exhibitions, talks, displays, and demonstrations—all science-featured and free. Check out the programme and how to get there here.
Romsey Literary Day
Romsey Literary Day has a festival on 10th May, when they will celebrate women writers from the 17th to 20th century. Details are on the flier below.
