100 events and activities to fire the imagination and encourage writers to write.
Inspired by the success of its inaugural event, the Bournemouth Writing Festival 2024 is preparing to welcome even more writers, with an exciting programme of over 100 town centre activities and the opportunity to meet literary agents face-to-face.
Taking place from Friday 26th April to Sunday 28th April 2024 the festival will bring together a diverse community of local and UK-wide writers, authors and professionals for a weekend of learning and collaboration to improve and progress people’s writing.
Attendees will enjoy a packed programme of free and ticketed talks, workshops and activities with authors, experts, and professionals from the literary world.
Renowned writers appearing this year include Kathleen Whyman, Gary Dalkin, Matt Shaw and Lucy Hay, discussing topics from plotting a novel to choosing the best publishing options.
New for 2024 are Poetry and Flash Fiction Competitions, as well as the chance for writers to pitch their manuscripts to literary agents in personal 1:2:1 sessions. Festival Director Dominic Wong said this is already proving to be a huge draw:
“There was a huge buzz and community feel around the first Writing Festival and this has been reflected in the interest from writers across the country booking tickets and national agents, publishers and companies wanting to get involved this year.
“Word is spreading. We have had competition entries from as far afield as Australia.”
The Festival has experiences to inspire writers in whichever genre they are passionate about and wherever they are in their writing journey.
Also new for 2024 is the Poetry Hub which will host activities and talks to inspire verse, including a quirky poetry machine located in the Bandstand in the Lower Gardens.
A host of events for children includes a writing competition for school and home educated children and writing workshops supported by local organisations.
Dominic added: “We’ll be making full use of what Bournemouth Town Centre has to offer in terms of hospitality, with Genre Breakfasts and networking lunches and dinners in many of our independent cafes and restaurants.”
The Festival’s Sunday night finale features writers and artists from local art community groups showcasing the huge array of talent that is being nurtured in Bournemouth and its surrounding areas.
The main festival hub will be at Pavilion Dance South West and tickets are now on sale.
Paul Kinvig, COO of the Town Centre BID said: “The first Writing Festival was a huge success and just what Bournemouth needed, bringing together creatives, writers, students, and local businesses with an energetic focus. It demonstrated that towns outside of London are hubs of creativity and imagination. We are pleased to continue our support in 2024.”
More information on the festival's schedule, speakers, and ticketing is available here: https://www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk/
The Bournemouth Writing Festival is supported by the Town Centre BID and Solid Imagery Photography. This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Arts Council England.
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, and further information, please contact: Dominic Wong, Festival Director, at dominic@bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk
Comentários