The first Wiveliscombe Literature Festival is set to take place this September from the 16th to the 18th. The festival will feature a wonderfully eclectic mix of events and workshops delivered by authors from Somerset and the surrounding area.

The events opening ceremony will have live music from Wivelele a local group of Ukulele players and singers. Followed by an evening of crime fiction heroes and villains with Exeter authors Morwenna Blackwood, Jenny Kane & PJ Reed.

A few standout appearances include:

Steve Cole author of sci-fi and children books with sales of over 3 million will be hosting a kids creativity session. He will teach children quick-and-easy ways to invent story ideas, share secret writing tips and reveal how he’s worked with astronaut Tim Peake to create Swarm Rising and its thrilling sequel Swarm Enemy.

Elizabeth Fremantle critically acclaimed author of Queens Gambit and The Girl in the glass tower is set to appear at the community centre. She will be in conversation with fellow historical writer Catherine Hanley to tell us about her career, her books and the experience of having one of her novels made into a high-profile feature film.

made into collage by George Harman
Authors appearing at Wivey litfest (Wiveliscombe Lit fest press photos)

Many more events and talks will be held during the festival over the 3 day run time including talks from local writers and authors.

The festival is seen as a thank you to the people of Wiveliscombe who helped to save the local library from being closed down when funding was pulled by the County Council.

Karen Collings, Library officer and Wivey LitFest Co-ordinator said: “The good people of Wiveliscombe fought to keep the library open, It is now part funded by the council and the community.

“The library is going strong now despite Covid, the staff and volunteers felt strongly that they wanted to say ‘thank you’ to the community for their support.”

She continued: “The library staff and volunteers are hard at work to deliver Wiveliscombe first Literary Festival. Our strap-line is ‘Grounded in the notion of community’. There will be 20 events across the weekend, including child specific events. Tickets will be on sale from the library directly or via the website from the end of July.