The Sturminster Newton Literary Festival, now in its fifth year, is presenting an ambitious lineup from 8th to 16th June, including a special D Day event.
Highlights include Kevin J Davies discussing Douglas Adams’ early work, Bridport Prize winner Fiona Williams on her novel The House of Broken Bricks, and Colonel Guy Deacon sharing his epic solo adventure driving from London to Cape Town while battling Parkinson’s Disease.
A unique exhibition at The Exchange, enriched with local D Day testimonies, will be opened on 9th June by Taylor Downing and James Porter, focusing on D Day deceptions and the Dorsetshire Regiment. The festival also celebrates Far From the Madding Crowd’s 150th anniversary with a special film screening and actor meet-and-greet, alongside literature-themed walks in Bere Marsh, Marnhull, and Bagber.
A Crime Writing Day on 15th June promises intrigue with a workshop, competition, and talks from authors like Mark Bridgeman, Jane Labous, and Paula Harmon.
Diverse talks range from Celia Brayfield on Anna Sewell’s animal welfare contributions to Jim Carter’s naval insights, Emily Wilson on Inanna and Gilgamesh, and Robin Walter’s nature poetry.
Joanne Burn will discuss The Bone Hunters, set in Lyme Regis, via Zoom.
Festival chairman Pauline Batstone said: ‘Each year the Sturminster Newton Literary Festival gets better and better and we look forward to greeting even more visitors to our fifth Festival. | sturlitfest.com
