Mark your calendars for a literary adventure at the Bury St. Edmunds Literature Festival, taking place from October 11th to 13th, 2024. Nestled in the heart of East Anglia, this festival promises a weekend brimming with stories, poetry, and engaging discussions.

Here’s a sneak peek into the exciting program:
Friday, October 11th
6:30 PM – Poetry & Open-Mic with Martin Figura
Start your literary journey with the evocative poetry of Martin Figura, acclaimed poet and Ted Hughes Award nominee. Martin will be reading from his collection, The Remaining Men, setting the stage for an evening of heartfelt and thought-provoking verse. Following the reading, the floor opens for an Open-Mic session, where attendees can share their own poetry and spoken word pieces.
Saturday, October 12th
10:30 AM – Catherine Emmett (Children’s Event)
Children and families are in for a treat with Catherine Emmett, the award-winning author of The Rainbow Flamingo and Trick or Treat. Her lively reading sessions are perfect for young book enthusiasts eager to delve into whimsical tales of difference and ingenuity.
12:00 PM – Kiran Millwood Hargrave & Tom de Freston (Children’s Event)
Join the dynamic duo Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Tom de Freston as they present their beautifully illustrated books, Julia and the Shark and Leila and the Blue Fox. These stories, rich in adventure and timeless themes, are sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
1:30 PM – Sam Leith (Non-Fiction)
Literary editor Sam Leith takes us on a journey through the magical world of children’s literature with his book, The Haunted Wood. Discover the deep and often complex lives of beloved authors and the impact of their stories on generations.
3:00 PM – Patrick Barkham (Non-Fiction)
Nature lovers will be enthralled by Patrick Barkham, who discusses his latest work, The Swimmer. This biography of wild swimmer Roger Deakin brings to life the romantic and sometimes troubled story of a man deeply connected to nature.
4:30 PM – Sarah Marsh (Historical Fiction)
Sarah Marsh presents her debut novel, A Sign of Her Own, a historical fiction piece inspired by her own experiences growing up deaf. This session promises a moving exploration of identity and self-discovery, with BSL interpretation and close captioning available.
6:00 PM – Georgina Moore & Bobby Palmer (Contemporary Fiction)
Dive into the complexities of family dynamics with Georgina Moore (author of The Garnett Girls) and Bobby Palmer (author of Small Hours and Isaac and The Egg). Moderated by Kate Sawyer, this conversation will explore why we are so fascinated by novels that focus on familial trials and tribulations.
7:30 PM – Kiran Millwood Hargrave & Tom de Freston (Fiction & Non-Fiction)
End the day with an intimate session featuring Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Tom de Freston. They will discuss their personal and professional journeys, including Kiran’s novel The Dance Tree and Tom’s memoir Strange Bodies.
Sunday, October 13th
10:30 AM – Dominique Valente (Children’s Event)
Children’s author Dominique Valente will enchant young readers with her book Witchspark, featuring a magical main character with a limb difference, like the author. As part of the event Dominique will lead a writing workshop, guiding children in creating their own magical powers and fantasy worlds on paper.
12:00 PM – Matt Gaw (Non-Fiction)
Embark on a weather-filled journey with Matt Gaw as he discusses his book, In All Weathers. Discover the wonders of Britain’s natural landscapes through rain, fog, wind, and more.
1:30 PM – Phoebe Morgan & JM Hewitt (Thriller Fiction)
Thriller enthusiasts can’t miss Phoebe Morgan and JM Hewitt as they discuss their latest novels, The Trip and The Perfect Village. Learn about the art of crafting suspenseful and gripping narratives.
3:00 PM – Janice Hallett (Crime/Mystery Fiction)
Join Janice Hallett in conversation with Nicola Upson about her latest crime novel, The Examiner. This session will delve into Janice’s rapid rise to literary fame and her knack for captivating mystery writing.
4:30 PM – Jill Dawson (Literary Fiction)
Renowned author Jill Dawson will discuss her career and her latest novel, The Bewitching. This historical tale of a young girl’s accusation of witchcraft promises to be a spellbinding experience.
6:00 PM – Kirsty Capes & Jessica Moor (Literary Fiction)
Emerging authors Kirsty Capes and Jessica Moor will share insights into their breakthrough novels, Girls and Hold Back The Night. This session is a fantastic opportunity to hear from two rising stars in the literary world.
7:30 PM – Clare Chambers (Literary Fiction)
We wrap up the festival with the wonderful Clare Chambers, author of the acclaimed Small Pleasures. Clare will discuss her latest novel, Shy Creatures, in a conversation with festival founder Julia Wakelam.
Tickets and More Information
Tickets are available in various packages, including a Golden Ticket for all events. Early bird discounts are available until August 1st, 2024. For more details and to book your tickets, visit www.burylitfest.co.uk.
Join us at the Unitarian Meeting House and The Guildhall in Bury St. Edmunds for an unforgettable celebration of literature and the joy of reading!
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