Louise Minchin, the author and former BBC News presenter, will be headlining Sutton’s first literary festival next month, which will focus on providing access to literature and culture to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Talking books: Louise Minchin is among the authors speaking at the first Sutton Literary Festival
Organisers behind the female-led event, on October 12 and 13, have launched a festival programme which will include a series of talks by authors and roundtable discussions.
Also making appearances at the Sutton Literary Festival will be Vaseem Khan (The Lost Man of Bombay, 2022) to discuss her latest work, while artist and performer Sheba Montserrat will host a stand-up set exploring topics including women, ageing and technology.
The Sutton Literary Festival will also offer a selection of workshops focusing on wellbeing, using writing and nature as “tools to nourish the mind and unlock creativity”.
Set against a scenic backdrop at Sutton Ecological Centre, Sunday’s sessions will include a writing workshop with poet and wellbeing professional, Lucy Furlong; a talk on urban nature by Lev Parikian (Light Rains Sometimes Fall, 2022); and an ecological workshop on the environment and mind.
Children can also look forward to a range of exciting workshops designed to stir the imagination and ignite creativity. Saturday’s itinerary will include interactive children’s events at Wallington Library led by Raymond Antrobus (Terrible Horses: A Story of Sibling Conflict and Companionship, 2024) and Anna Orenstein (The Tree of Hope, 2022).
Supported by Arts Council England, this literature festival is completely free for people to attend, with tickets issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Funding from The Arts Council has been used to create a stimulating sensory space – The Imaginarium – near to the main venue, to give neurodivergent attendees a unique space to spend time and enjoy.
Jacqueline Crooks, leading the organisation of Sutton Literary Festival, said: “The debut Sutton Literary Festival has been a long time in the making.
“I am excited to see our collective efforts culminate in this vibrant celebration of literature. This festival is not only a testament to the talent and creativity within our community but also a platform to inspire and engage readers and writers from all backgrounds.”
The organisers are looking for volunteers to support the events over the weekend. If you’re interested in contributing your time at the festival, please contact Jacqueline@sharp-raiser.com
- To find out more about the Sutton Literary Festival, and book tickets, please visit: https://www.placeatmytable.co.uk
- To view the programme, click here
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Sutton council, run by the Liberal Democrats, is using its libraries to host a Literary Festival.
Croydon council, run by the Conservatives, is closing our libraries for no good reason