Author and former BBC TV presenter Louise Minchin will be headlining Sutton’s first literary festival, this October, which will focus on providing access to literature and culture to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Organisers behind the female-led event, taking place across Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October, have launched the festival’s programme, which will include a series of author talks and roundtable discussions.
Appearing alongside Louise Minchin (Fearless, 2023; Isolation Island, 2024) will be Vaseem Khan (The Lost Man of Bombay, 2022) to discuss her latest work, while artist and performer Sheba Montserrat will host a stand-up set exploring topics including women, ageing and technology.
The festival will also offer a selection of workshops focusing on wellbeing, using writing and nature as tools to nourish the mind and unlock creativity. Set against a scenic backdrop at Sutton Ecological Centre, Sunday’s sessions will include a writing workshop with poet and wellbeing professional, Lucy Furlong; a talk on urban nature by Lev Parikian (Light Rains Sometimes Fall, 2022); and an ecological workshop on the environment and mind.
Children can also look forward to a range of exciting workshops designed to stir the imagination and ignite creativity. Saturday’s itinerary will include interactive children’s events at Wallington Library led by Raymond Antrobus (Terrible Horses: A Story of Sibling Conflict and Companionship, 2024) and Anna Orenstein (The Tree of Hope, 2022).
October’s celebration of literature, supported by Arts Council England, is completely free for people to attend, with tickets issued on a first come, first served basis.
The festival has been designed to welcome and inspire people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Events aimed at children will be taking place on Saturday at Wallington Library, with sessions for adults largely hosted within the picturesque grounds of Honeywood House and Sutton Ecology Centre across the weekend.
Funding from The Arts Council has been used to create a stimulating sensory space – The Imaginarium – near to the main venue, to give neurodivergent attendees a unique space to spend time and enjoy.
Jacqueline Crooks, leading the organisation of Sutton Literary Festival, said: “The debut Sutton Literary Festival has been a long time in the making. Having been on a remarkable journey working closely with Sutton’s women writing group of Place At My Table charity over the past five years, it is great to see the progress that we have made to launch this annual festival for the local community.
“I am excited to see our collective efforts culminate in this vibrant celebration of literature. This festival is not only a testament to the talent and creativity within our community but also a platform to inspire and engage readers and writers from all backgrounds.”
The organisers are looking for a team of volunteers to support the events over the weekend. If you’re interested in contributing your time at the festival, please contact [email protected]
