Literature lovers across the East Riding are in for a treat as the much-anticipated Festival of Words SpringFest kicks off this weekend. Organised by East Riding Libraries, the festival is dedicated to celebrating local and northern voices, providing a platform for regional authors while offering vocational support to help them hone their craft.
A platform for Yorkshire talent
SpringFest is shining a spotlight on homegrown talent, inviting authors from across the region to participate in various events, including the first-ever ‘local author marketplace’.
Thanks to an author call out orchestrated by the library service, writers who haven’t previously had the opportunity to be featured at the festival will now get their chance to showcase their work and network with fellow authors. In addition to this unique event, SpringFest also features a variety of author talks and workshops for all to enjoy.
A packed programme of events
The festival’s programme offers an array of literary delights, author talks and workshops. Adam Farrier will kick off the author talks, ‘Broken Biscuits and Other Male Failures,’ at Beverley Library on Saturday 15 March at 5pm. The award-winning author and lecturer will delve into his recently published book, offering insights and discussions on its themes.
For writers eager to sharpen their marketing skills, communications expert Anna Caig will lead an online session, ‘Find Your Readers – Marketing for Writers,’ on Monday, 17 March at 12.30pm. This 90-minute webinar is open to writers at any stage of their careers, providing valuable advice on audience engagement.
Adding a touch of theatrical flair, Black Liver will present ‘Devilled Eggs’ across three locations – North Bridlington, Wilberfoss, and Goole – on 17, 18, and 19 March. Described as a cheeky, fresh, and devilishly spicy production, the show promises a unique theatre experience at the Dakota Guest House, with a suggested age suitability of 12+.
On Thursday 20 March at 7pm, bestselling author Linda Green will visit South Cave Library to discuss her latest novel, The Woman With All The Answers, a book that has earned spots in both the BBC Radio 2 and Richard and Judy book clubs.
And crime fiction fans are in for a treat on Friday 21 March, as crime novelist Wes Markin joins Hull writer and musician Chris Speck at Driffield Library to explore the theme of Yorkshire murders!
Grand finale at North Bridlington library
SpringFest will conclude with a trio of events at North Bridlington Library on Saturday 22 March. The morning kicks off at 10am with a ‘Writing for Wellbeing’ workshop led by Alex Weston. This will be followed by a craft with Eleanor Tomlinson Art at 11.30am.
The festival will wrap up at 2pm with a talk by international bestselling author Julia Chapman, who will discuss her beloved cozy crime series, The Dales Detective.
Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure, and tourism, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating:
“SpringFest promises to be a successful event with an exciting line-up for everyone to get involved in and I am very happy to see it return this year across the East Riding. I hope residents will come along and enjoy this varied and fascinating programme.”
Get your tickets now
Tickets for SpringFest events are on sale now, ranging from £5 to £7. Unless otherwise specified, all events require pre-booking. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Festival of Words website.
From a press release.
