The Sherborne Literary Society was formed in 2012 and is open to everyone. The society organises the Sherborne Annual Literary Festival, which in 2016 will take place from 12th - 16th October.
For lovers of good books and creative expression this annual festival in the town of Sherborne includes a variety of author talks, writing workshops, and children’s events.
Whether you’re an avid reader, writer, or just someone who likes to sit back and be entertained, the fifth annual Sherborne Literary Festival has something for you. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event:
The festival itself is organised under the auspices of the Sherborne Literary Society. Taking place from Wednesday, 12th to Sunday, 16th October the festival offers fascinating and entertaining speakers from a broad spectrum of literature. With talks, tours, workshops and an exciting programme for local schools there is so much to offer.
Where does the Festival take place?
With most functions taking place at The Digby Hall in Hound Street, events will also be held at The Courtyard (Macintosh Antiques, Newlands) and Raleigh Hall on Digby Road, together with a very special evening at Sherborne Abbey with humanitarian and bestselling author, Terry Waite OBE. Ticket prices range from £7.50 to £20 and full details of locations and cost can be found online at www.sherborneliterarysociety.
The Digby Hall has ample parking, with additional spaces for other events in various public car parks throughout the town, and on street parking after 6pm in certain locations. All events are within 20 minutes walking distance of Sherborne’s mainline train station which runs hourly services to and from Yeovil Junction, Crewkerne and Exeter, as well as to Gillingham, Templecombe, Salisbury and London Waterloo in the other direction. There are taxi services available from the station, together with limited bus services.
What events can we expect?
Many of this year’s speakers are well-known personalities from various walks of life, and the festival is also taking the opportunity to introduce authors with debut novels. With talks from people as varied as multiple bestselling chick-lit novelist, Sophie Kinsella, to one of Britain’s most notorious ex-gangsters and bank robbers, Noel ‘Razor’ Smith, the festival offers a truly diverse and entertaining lineup. For the full schedule please see www.sherborneliterarysociety.
The five headlining events are as follows:
Wednesday, 12th October - Joshua Levine writer of six bestselling histories and a number of programmes for BBC Radio 4, which he also presented. His latest book ‘The Secret History of the Blitz’ tells some of the untold tales of those who survived those dreadful times.
Thursday, 13th October - Terry Waite OBE Having been held captive in the Lebanon for four years, Terry wrote his memoir ‘Taken on Trust’. His appearance at the Festival will follow the publication of a new edition of this seminal work with additional material included, and his new book ‘Out of Silence’.
Friday, 14th October - Harry Parker While serving in Afghanistan Harry stood on an IED which changed the course of his life. Extraordinary medical care saved his life but he lost both his legs as a result. The main character of his first novel ‘Anatomy of a Soldier’ reflects very much this experience.
Saturday, 15th October - Susie Dent A very popular writer and broadcaster who has made over two thousand appearances on Channel 4’s ‘Countdown’. Her new book ‘Are You Speaking My Language’ is due out in October.
Sunday, 16th October - Pam Ayres One of the most popular female comedians performing in UK theatres today, her poetry is based on her incredible eye and ear for the details of everyday life. A regular on many of BBC Radio 4’s best comedic programmes, she continues to entertain capacity crowds on her tours of this country and abroad.
Where can I get tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online at www.sherborneliterarysociety.
Sherborne Literary Festival would like to thank it’s main sponsor, Peter Harding Wealth Management for their kind support.
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