ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
MICHAEL MORPURGO
ALEX PRESTON
SIMON ARMITAGE © Peter James Millson
WEALDEN LITERARY FESTIVAL
R E T U R N S
THIS SUMMER , WEALDEN LITERARY FESTIVAL RETURNS TO THE GLORIOUS SURROUNDINGS OF BOLDSHAVES GARDEN IN WOODCHURCH . TAKING PLACE OVER THE WEEKEND OF 25-26 JUNE , THE FESTIVAL WILL ONCE AGAIN WELCOME A HOST OF ACCLAIMED AUTHORS , ARTISTS , SCIENTISTS AND ENVIRONMENTALISTS IN A CELEBRATION OF NATURE AND CREATIVITY .
FESTIVALS IN KENT
Founded by husband and wife team , Andrew and Laura Willan , this intimate and family friendly event offers a chance to pause and unearth both the wonder of the natural world and our own creative potential . This year ’ s festival features an impressive array of inspirational speakers and a unique programme of outdoor events and creative workshops for all ages ..
Andrew Willan explains : “ We ’ re returning for our sixth year with a host of household names , rising stars and talented local authors , all of whom , I hope , will get us thinking about how we interact with nature and the world around us at such a pivotal moment for the environment .
“ For so many of us , the impact of the pandemic and long periods spent indoors reminded us of what we miss when cut adrift from the natural world . We ’ re keen to nurture that connection through our varied programme of speakers , creative activities and dedicated series of events for children .”
Poet Laureate , Simon Armitage , was one of the first writers to confirm his attendance at the festival . He has published more than a dozen poetry collections and written two novels and three non-fiction bestsellers . As well as reading from his latest work The Owl and the Nightingale , Simon will discuss the ambitious initiatives he has pioneered as Poet Laureate , including the Laurel Prize – an annual award for the best collection of environmental poetry to highlight the climate crisis .
Wealden will also welcome two of the most acclaimed female nature writers of recent years - Helen Macdonald ( Vesper Flights ; H is for Hawk ) and Raynor Winn ( The Wild Silence ; The Salt Path ) - as well as leading scientists and environmentalists such as Jim Al-Khalili , Anil Seth and Jake Fiennes .
The lineup also places a spotlight on literary talent from the local area . Kent ’ s Alex Preston ( Winchelsea ) will be joined by former Wealden Literary Festival writers-in-residence , Tanya Shadrick ( The Cure for Sleep ) and Lulah Ellender ( Grounding ), who are both from Sussex .
Younger festivalgoers will hear from acclaimed children ' s authors and illustrators Jackie Morris ( Feather , Leaf , Bark and Stone ; The Lost Words ), Nicola Davies ( The Song that Sings Us ) and Piers Torday ( The Wild Trilogy ), as well as having the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of hands-on , nature-inspired experiences from tree climbing , bushcraft and an outdoor adventure playground to puppetry performances , outdoor cookery demonstrations , and arts and crafts activities .
Workshops aren ’ t limited to children ; adults can try their hand at traditional skills such as weaving , with Brighton-based Shiv Textiles , and foraging with Michael White of Rural Courses .
“ With acres of green space and ancient woodland , Boldshaves is the perfect home for the festival ,” adds Andrew Willan . “ Whether you like to relax with a good book , enjoy thought-provoking conversations , want to learn a new skill , or simply spend time outdoors in a beautiful location , we hope that Wealden has something for everyone .”
Tickets for Wealden Literary Festival , which takes place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 June , are on sale now . Visit www . wealdenliteraryfestival . co . uk to browse the lineup and book your place .
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