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New Blackmore Vale, 15th April 2022
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Arts & Entertainment
Stellar line-up for Literary Festival by Faith Eckersall
From lunch with Dorset novelist Minette Walters to afternoon tea with best-selling debut writer Sally Page, Sturminster Literary Festival has gathered a feast of fabulous authors for visitors to hear. The popular event runs from 6-18 June, and aims to showcase leading and emerging fiction authors with Dorset connections, as well as celebrate the town’s literary associations with Thomas Hardy, William Barnes and Robert Young. The first week features writing by contemporary Dorset authors including bestseller Natasha Solomons, who will be at the Exchange discussing her innovative and beautifully written new novel, I, Mona Lisa.
At a literary lunch, guest Minette Walters will talk about The Swift and the Harrier, her historical novel on the horrors of the Civil War in Dorset. Gillingham-based Sally Page leads the literary tea, where she will talk about the writing of her best-selling debut novel, The Keeper of Stories. Award-winning crime author Rachel McLean will be discussing her popular Dorset crime series, the first of which is The Corfe Castle Murders. Meanwhile, historical romance author Karen Dickson from Shaftesbury will discuss her recently published family saga, A Songbird in Wartime. And, via Zoom, Jim Case of Newfoundland, Canada, will talk about his genealogical
connections with Dorset’s cod fishing and swan-skin industries and how he came to write his historical novel, Ananias, based on his family history. During the second week events will focus on the town’s literary heritage, with Professor Angelique Richardson and Dr Steph Alder speaking about Hardy’s Correspondents, a collaborative project between Dorset Museum and the University of Exeter. Former Yetties band member Bonny Sartin will discuss Hardy’s musical heritage – the music he played, his instruments and the references to traditional song, music and dance in his writing. At a literary lunch, writer Christopher Nicholson will be speaking about the strange story of Hardy’s association
with one of the rarest of all British birds, the creamcoloured courser. And in his talk, Sturminster stalwart David Fox will share insights into the town’s past and Blackmore Vale life as depicted in the poetry and writings of William Barnes and Robert Young. On Saturday 18 June, a Victorian-themed family fun afternoon will be held in the Railway Gardens and Poet’s Corner area of the town. Two guided walks will highlight literary heritage in Bagber and Marnhull and there will also be reading discussion groups and two weekend events for children. More details at www.sturlitfest. com. Bookings can be made at www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ sturminster-newton-literaryfestival-33209608299.
THE EXCHANGE
STURMINSTER NEWTON
STAYIN' ALIVE
CUPID'S REVENGE
FRI 13TH MAY, 7:30PM
SAT 14TH MAY, 7:30PM
Stayin Alive are recognised as the UK’s top Bee Gees Tribute. £18/ £17 conc
A dance theatre comedy show by New Art Club. In partnership with Artsreach. £12/ £5 U18s Living Spit's ELIZABETH I
TUES 24TH MAY, 7:30PM
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Living Spit return with the second of their (un)Holy Trinity of hilarious heritage historiographies. £15/ £14 conc
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