Bring The Family Along!

Many literary festivals in the UK cater for the family.

Most festivals all over the world also consider the younger reader.

 

This year, I volunteered at the Budleigh Salterton Book Fest in the UK, where they held dedicated children’s events, storytelling sessions and activities for younger readers.

This makes for a welcoming environment for attendees of all ages.

 

Of course, no literary festival would be complete without stalls selling books. Often there is a chance to purchase newly released works, exclusive editions or autographed copies, turning the festival into a book lover’s haven.

Attending a literary festival is not just about hearing an author read their latest novel, it’s about celebrating stories, ideas and creativity in a way that engages readers and writers alike.

 

Literary festivals often feature authors and speakers from across the globe. They introduce attendees to diverse cultural perspectives through literature. This can enrich your understanding of world literature and contemporary global issues.

Book festivals, like the Budleigh Salterton book fest, are often set in historic towns or cities like Edinburgh,  Hay-on-Wye or by the seaside. The local history, architecture and picturesque landscapes offer a perfect backdrop to the festival atmosphere.

The networking opportunities at festivals attract not only readers but also industrial professionals. This is a prime opportunity for networking with fellow writers, publishers and agents.

And, of course, these connections can open doors to new opportunities, or you can simply find information for your next book project if that is on your list!

I had the pleasure of volunteering at the 2024 BudLitFest, in East Devon. Some surprising events were excellent and interesting.

Emerging writers told how they published their books and how life had changed for them. The latest autobiography of the intriguing Noel Coward was fascinating, and a lecture on Dictatorship caused some awkward moments in the question time.

(There are 57 dictator leaders in the world today)

The children’s events included the Aardman studios from Bristol, a workshop using nature art, storytelling; every day, there was something available for the youngsters.

Other events in the Marquee, included evening dinner accompanied by jazz and an opera singer, all making this year’s festival very special.

I will be back again in 2025!