What’s On: Bournemouth Writing Festival, various venues
AUTHORS, poets and amateur and professional writers are invited to join more than 100 workshops and events organised as part of the Second Bournemouth Writing Festival.
Writers appearing this year include award-winning author Kathleen Whyman, editor and writer Gary Dalkin, self-publishing success Matt Shaw and bestselling author Alex Stone. The writers will be discussing a range of topics from plotting a novel to choosing the best publishing options.
Following the success of its inaugural event, the Bournemouth Writing Festival returns from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th April, bringing together a diverse community of local and UK-wide writers, authors and professionals for a weekend of learning and collaboration.
Attendees can enjoy a packed programme of free and ticketed talks, workshops and activities with authors, experts, and professionals from the literary world.
New for 2024 is a Poetry and Flash Fiction Competition, as well as the chance for writers to pitch their manuscripts to literary agents in personal one-to-one sessions.
Festival director Dominic Wong said: “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.”
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, workshops, and an exclusive video introduction from New Forest environmentalist Chris Packham.
Dominic said local hospitality venues will also be involved with activities such as genre breakfasts, networking lunches and special dinner events.
The main festival hub will be at Pavilion Dance South West and tickets are now on sale. For more information on the festival programme visit www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk
