The Sturminster Newton Literary Festival returns from 12th to 21st June, bringing a varied programme of writers, historians and speakers to the town.
Among this year’s headline names is internationally recognised war artist George Butler, who will discuss his work documenting conflict zones including Ukraine. Through hand-drawn reportage from Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, Angola and Gaza, George shares extraordinary human stories that never reached the front pages — stories that bring depth, context, and empathy to some of the most significant events of this century.
‘In the countdown to D-Day, the plight of an African American GI sentenced to death for a rape he did not commit gripped the nation’ – historian Kate Werran will present research into the experiences of Black American troops stationed in the West Country during the Second World War.
Dorset writer Faith Eckersall will talk about her latest cosy crime novel set in Wimborne, inspired by her career as a news reporter in the county. Travel writer Nick Jubber will be taking the audience on a global journey of monsters, while Giles and Annie Henschel, founders of Olives et Al, will share insights from their recent 10,000-mile motorcycle journey visiting olive-growing regions across Europe.
The programme also includes an interactive true crime event on an infamous real-life Dorset murder trial. Led by Mark Bridgeman, the audience will become the jury.Alongside the main talks, the festival features a number of literary walks, a showcase for local writers and a special writing workshop delivered in partnership with the University of Exeter for people from Ukraine and their host families.
Festival chair Pauline Batstone says, ‘This is our seventh literary festival and we once again have a varied and interesting mix of authors and events – we hope as many people as possible are able come to enjoy.’
The festival runs from 12th to 21st June. Tickets and full programme are available at sturlitfest.com and from 1855 Sturminster Newton
The Dorset Life Community News section is sponsored by Wessex Internet
