Literature stars in Exeter
Exeter will host two festivals featuring literature and writing this autumn.
In October, exetreme imagination – Exeter’s biennial festival of writing and stories – will unlock imaginations for young people across the city.
In November, Exeter Literary Festival will bring together a range of experts to share knowledge.
The festivals will feature nationally known and local award-winning authors, including Philip Reeve whose book Mortal Engines will be released as a Universal Pictures blockbuster movie directed by Peter Jackson.
exetreme imagination runs from 15 to 27 October, with public events for the half term week, and activities with local school and community groups during the week before the main festival. Throughout the festival, young people will have the opportunity to meet authors and illustrators, as well as attending creative writing, illustrating and drama workshops.
Festival curator Elspeth Graham said: “exetreme imagination is a culturally interactive festival with an amazing line-up of writers, illustrators, storytellers and performers. There will be hats, puppets, a flying pony, a thoughtful sparrow, comics and far too much chocolate! We want to entertain and enthuse young people and help them discover the power of writing. Literature can change lives. Good books matter. Come and join in.”
exetreme imagination highlights include:
- Mortal Engines and Railhead – Philip Reeve at RAMM
- Alfie’s Night Out – art & drama workshops with RAMM & Exeter Northcott Theatre
- Stories in Chocolate – book reading and chocolate creations at Chococo
- The Etherington Brothers at Exeter Phoenix
- Author event with Emma Shoard at Exeter Library
- Writeaway workshop with author Tom McLaughlin
- Thinking Inside the Box – workshop with Moose Allain
- Finding Space to be Yourself – teen drama workshop exploring Meg Rosoff’s How I Live Now
Exeter Literary Festival takes place from 16 to 18 November. The festival brings together authors, literary experts and high profile local people to talk, debate, and share knowledge about literature.
Festival Coordinator Maggie Bonfield said: “We’re delighted to be launching a diverse range of events within the festival. We’ll be looking at books about Exeter’s past, finding out more about poetry written by Chinese migrant workers, fairy stories for adults and how to get your book published. Time Team producer Tim Taylor, award-winning author Su Bristow and highly acclaimed novelist Philip Reeve are amongst our guests.”
Exeter Literary Festival highlights include:
- Great Exeter Books – Exeter historian and author, Todd Gray, has invited nine Exeter people to each chose a book about the city
- Nicola Upson – Author of the Josephine Tey mysteries – will be chatting about her latest book Nine Lessons.
- A discussion with Sarah Vaughan and Stella Duffy, two of the United Kingdom's finest crime writers.
- Popular parenting blogger and Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Turner (aka The Unmumsy Mum) will share stories depicting the more ridiculous moments of motherhood.
- From Moriaty to Voldemort – Jenny Kane and PJ Reed will be discussing what makes a good villain.
- A writing competition raising money for Age UK Exeter.
- Local author talks and live readings in some of Exeter’s indie shops.
- Poetry at Exeter Phoenix and Shakespeare at the Cygnet Theatre
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