Bournemouth Writing Festival is returning for its fourth edition from, filling venues across the town including Palace Court Theatre. Writers and readers can expect a packed weekend with more than 100 talks, workshops and literary events planned.
Dr James Cole, course leader for BA (Hons) Creative Writing at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), and host of the Palace Court Theatre events on 25 and 26 April, says, “The range of talks, workshops, and panels we’re hosting over the weekend cater for a wide variety of interests and writing backgrounds – there really is something for everyone – and we’re excited to inspire new writing and talk about important topics in the industry."
The Saturday line-up at Palace Court Theatre starts with Changing the Narrative on the Climate. Hosted by Ri Baroche, the creative workshop uses humour and interactive exercises to find fresh ways to write about climate change and nature.
The Write to Thrill panel talk follows, with bestselling thriller authors Lucy Clarke and Heidi Perks discussing the mechanics of suspense and the current crime fiction market. And drawing on influences like Alan Bennett and Victoria Wood, the Writing Comedy Monologues With Heart workshop will show visitors how to balance humour with human pathos.
On the Sunday, attendees can look forward to exploring how story and mechanics intersect in tabletop role-playing games to create immersive player spaces with Telling Stories Through Games from Emmy-nominated writer and AUB Creative Writing lecturer Mike Garley.
Adapting Your Own Work for TV/Film with Tim Clague and Danny Stack offers practical advice on turning existing books, poems, and comics into screenplays, as well as advice on how to navigate the film industry.
This will be followed by award-winning author Claire Linney’s Being a Children’s Author: Warts 'n' All talk, offering an insight into the reality of the industry, the creative process, and using social media to drive success in children's literature.
Sunday’s panel event is on the theme of Writing Diverse Characters, with Dean Atta, Claire Linney, and Ashley Hickson-Lovence discussing authenticity, sensitivity, and the vital importance of representation in modern writing.
As well as the Palace Court Theatre, events will also take place at Pavilion Dance South West (PDSW), Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Patch, Horseshoe Common and on the beach. Writers can also book one-to-one meetings with eight literary agents at the Marsham Court Hotel.
The festival offers a mix of free and ticketed options, with many activities made possible thanks to funding from the Arts Council and ticket sales.
Evening events include a Friday night social and on Saturday, Tongue Fu’s poetry and comedy show with live band improvisation. AUB will be closing Bournemouth Writing Festival on Sunday evening by hosting The Write Move, a celebration of words, dance, and film at Pavilion Dance South West. For more information on this event, visit PDSW's website.
James adds, “We’ve got a brilliant line-up for the finale with headliners Ashley Hickson-Lovence and Dean Atta. The exciting evening will showcase the voices and words of AUB’s BA (Hons) Creative Writing students and our alumni, and also feature an exclusive screening of Dean’s BAFTA-longlisted short film, Two Black Boys in Paradise.”
Dominic Wong, festival director and Visiting Tutor on the BA (Hons) Event Management course at AUB says, “The Bournemouth Writing Festival is all about making writing feel welcoming and achievable, whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your work to the next level.
“We’re proud to offer a wide-ranging programme that mixes top industry expertise with inclusive and accessible events that bring writers together from across the community and the country.”
For more information about the Bournemouth Writing Festival events at Palace Court Theatre, explore our website.
