Exeter Literary Festival returns for a second year

Exeter plays host to a feast of literary treats this autumn, as Exeter Literary Festival takes over the city during 7-10 November.

With events taking place at venues across the city, there’s something for everyone: budding writers can flex their literary muscles in workshops, eager readers can hear from inspiring authors, and little ones can take part in family-friendly creative events.

The roster of authors is once again impressive, including contributions from crime writer Martyn Waites, historian Nicola Tallis, and novelist Patrick Gale, among many others.

As well as ticketed events, there are also a number of free events taking place, including:

• Land of Grecian Glory – The Story of Exeter’s St James’ Park (Thurs 7th Nov 16.00-17.00): Martin Weiler will be talking about Aidan Hamilton's ‘The Story of Exeter’s St James’ Park – Land of Grecian Glory’ and this will be followed by a tour of the stadium including its new Museum. The book has been produced to mark the 125th anniversary of the first known football match on the site in 1894. The talk will be followed by a tour of the ground.
  Write Hub - with Exeter Writers at the Custom House (Friday 8 Nov 14.00-17.00): A networking event for writers. Representatives of various local writing groups will be present. If you’re looking for a group to support your own writing, or just interested in what’s going on in the area, come along and meet some like-minded people. There will be readings, books for sale, and maybe even a literary quiz

• Lubna & Pebble at the Custom House (Saturday 9th November 10-11am): Lubna and Pebble are best friends. Even when life gets scary in the camp where they live, Pebble always listens – but perhaps the other children need Pebble’s help too? Bestselling author Wendy Meddour delivers a gentle but powerful lesson for little ones about empathy, displacement and life as a refugee, then gives you your own pebble pal to paint.

• The Shadow of Hastings: Tales of Anglo-Saxons after the Conquest at St Nicholas Priory (Sunday 10th November 13.30-15.00): In the beautiful and historic setting of St Nicholas Priory, we will create a visual representation of the struggles of the Anglo-Saxons after 1066, including the Siege of Exeter in 1068, the Harrying of the North and the eventual exile some of the Anglo-Saxons chose in preference to submitting to William the Conqueror. These events set the scene for the ‘Quest for New England’ trilogy, by South Devon historical fiction author, Anna Chant, which follows a group of Anglo-Saxon exiles in their search for a new home. Suitable for all ages, this hands-on activity will involve the participants as we tell the stories of the rebels and exiles in a visual form. The author will be present to answer your questions and chat about the history and how it influences her work.

• Pop-up Poetry in the Library An interactive afternoon of performance poetry for children aged 5 to 95, hosted by Exeter Central children’s library (Sunday 10th November 14.30-15.15): All the poems have been specifically chosen to engage, entertain and foster a love of all things poetical. Expect fun and audience participation. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult throughout.
  

  For full listings, and to book tickets for all events, visit the website.