Tag Archive for: Book Signing

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Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2025 – “A tour de force”

The fourth annual Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival took place on 14 to 17 November in venues across the town and has been described by audience members and authors as “a tour de force” and an “impressive and inspiring literary weekend”. According to one festival-goer, the event is “now firmly established as a gem in Exmoor’s crown”.

The Salt Path scandal

In a packed All Saints Church (pictured above), Observer investigative journalist Chloe Hadjimatheou revealed how she discovered the truth behind certain aspects of author Raynor Winn’s ‘memoir’ The Salt Path, in conversation with Rachel Johnson (the talk being filmed for a Sky documentary to be on air mid-December).

L to R: Chloe Hadjimatheou, Rachel Johnson and Ali Pegrum, Festival Director

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Royal biographer Andrew Lownie spoke about his research into the life of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, sharing details from his book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York – the book that contributed to the former prince’s dramatic fall from grace.

Hiroshima

Historian Iain MacGregor, in conversation with Joshua Levine, spoke to a sell-out audience about his latest book The Hiroshima Men, commenting afterwards that it was “a wonderful festival experience: well organised, great venue, exceptional author care and a really friendly, knowledgeable audience.”

Iain MacGregor signing copies of The Hiroshima Men

Margaret Thatcher

Another sell-out event was hearing Jonathan Dimbleby and Iain Dale talking about Iain’s recent biographical title Margaret Thatcher.

L to R: Jonathan Dimbleby and Iain Dale

Crime and True Crime

Smiling crime writers L to R: Sarah Pearse, Hannah Richel, Amy McCulloch and interviewer Sarah Lutyens

There was a panel of brilliant crime thriller writers including Hannah Richell, Amy McCulloch and Sarah Pearse; and a true Devon crime talk with John Cornwell (author of Earth to Earth) and Rachel Johnson.

Rachel Gilmour MP pictured right chatting with author John Cornwell.

Nature & Conservation

L to R: Ruth Pavey, Rachel Campbell-Johnston, Catrina Davies and Hannah Bourne-Taylor

The Nature & Conservation panel of authors featured the remarkable Hannah Bourne-Taylor, detailing her continued fight to save our swifts, alongside writers Ruth Pavey and Catrina Davies, chaired by writer and art critic Rachel Campbell-Johnston.

Music and Cornwall

BBC Radio 3 classical music presenter Petroc Trelawny chatted with virtuoso violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen about his love of Cornwall and music.

Multi-million copy bestselling author Ruth Hogan chatted with her agent Lisa Highton about her latest heartwarming novel The Light A Candle Society.

Petroc Trelawny greeting festival-goers

The Red Dress Project

New venues were used for this year’s Festival – including the Tarr Farm Inn for an excellent Literary Lunch with William Sitwell – and the Dulverton Heritage Centre for talks around the remarkable global embroidery project The Red Dress with Kirstie Macleod and Emma Bovill; Profitable Farming with Chris Clark and Robin Milton; and Taking Risks with authors Hilary Bradt and Victoria Eveleigh.

L to R: Kirstie Macleod and Emma Bovill of The Red Dress Project

Jane Austen

It was a weekend of anniversaries, with Jane Austen’s 250th birthday celebrated by authors Jessica Bull and Helen Kelly; Penny Adie celebrating 25 years of the Two Moors Festival with her accompanying book; and Karen Minto looking back at 25 years of The Moorland Mousie Trust and the Exmoor Pony Centre with the original book that inspired the charity, Moorland Mousie.

Jane Austen authors L to R: Jessica Bull and Helena Kelly

Jessica Bull’s Austen-themed socks!

Book Club and Winning Young Writers

This year’s Book Club talk was a particular highlight, with national treasure and former All Creatures Great and Small actress Carol Drinkwater travelling from her home in the South of France to chat about her latest novel alongside bestselling authors Veronica Henry and Kate Lord Brown.  Following this talk, prizes were presented to the winners of the annual Festival Children’s Writing Competition which was won this year by Finley Richardson (10), with runners up Grace Griffiths-McDonald (11) and Edie Richards (5). Finley’s excellent poem about Exmoor can be found on the Visit Dulverton website.

L to R: Veronica Henry, Finley Richardson, Kate Lord Brown, Carol Drinkwater and Edie Richards

Story Corner and Meet the Local Author

There was something for everyone at this year’s event, from Children’s Story Corner book readings in the Bridge Inn, to the fabulous Schools Day talks with former Children’s Laureate Lauren Child and the opportunity to chat informally with a host of local authors in the Library, including Moleskine – the Festival’s first canine author!

Festival-goer Stephanie Blackmore wrote “it was remarkable to have persuaded such a brilliant and diverse range of authors to venture down to Exmoor”.

Children’s Story Corner with author Anne Parsons

 

The Festival’s first canine author, Moleskine, with her ‘humum’ Gill Whitehead

Overwhelming Feedback

Dulverton Town Hall

Festival Director, Ali Pegrum said “The feedback of the entire long weekend has been overwhelming, with many people commenting on the warm atmosphere and how the Festival is always so engaged and friendly. The wonderful volunteers are brilliant, and my enormous thanks to the generous sponsors that support the event, as well as the Friends of the Festival.  It is particularly pleasing to see so many people in Dulverton that have never attended a literary festival before, including many children, and many of whom are looking forward to next year’s event already!”

The dates for next year’s Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival are already in the diary – Friday 13 to Monday 16 November 2026.

Event Sponsors & Friends

Our grateful thanks to this year’s Festival Friends and to our generous sponsors – local individuals and small businesses, including: Stockham Farm Exmoor, Tozers Solicitors, Jackson Stops,Taunton, The Dulverton Development Programme, Mr and Mrs Prebensen of Hollam House, The Exmoor Society, Risdon Solicitors, Jeff Pegrum Landscaping, Rupert White Interiors, Exmoor News, Ware Construction,  Osteo & Physio Tiverton, Rothwell & Dunworth Antiquarian Books and Pet Pain Relief of Dulverton.  Our thanks also to the following for their support of the event: Dulverton Town Council, The Bridge Inn Dulverton, Tarr Farm Inn, Exmoor Magazine and Waterstones of Taunton and Barnstaple.

If you would like to support the Festival in the future as a sponsor or as a Friend, please go to the Literary Festival page or get in touch with Ali Pegrum via the Visit Dulverton website or at hello@visitdulverton.com.

 

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Scandal comes to the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival!

Don’t leave it too late to get your tickets to some remarkable talks at the fourth annual Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival from 14 to 17 November. Enjoy some powerful stories and thought-provoking conversations with many of the UK’s top writers in Dulverton Town Hall and other venues around this small moorland town.

This year, scandal comes to the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival. Where else will you hear first-hand about the research into the truth behind the story of The Salt Path by Raynor Winn? Observer investigative journalist Chloe Hadjimatheou will be telling festival-goers about her findings that have scandalised all those who believed in the story upon which the bestselling book was based.  Also over the weekend you will hear royal biographer Andrew Lownie talk about his discoveries into the lives of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) and Sarah Ferguson, as he shares details from his book Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York. This is the book that contributed to the former prince’s dramatic recent fall from grace.

Celebrate literary legend Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with Jessica Bull and Helena Kelly; hear about Margaret Thatcher with Iain Dale and Jonathan Dimbleby; understand Hannah-Bourne Taylor’s fight to save our swifts; learn about the men behind the tragic Hiroshima bombing 80 years ago with Iain MacGregor and Joshua Levine; delve into a Devonshire true crime story with John Cornwell and Rachel Johnson; meet much-loved actress Carol Drinkwater, talking about her writing with authors Veronica Henry and Kate Lord Brown; meet multi-million copy bestselling novelist Ruth Hogan and her agent; learn about writing top crime thrillers with Hannah Richell, Amy McCulloch and Sarah Pearse; and enjoy Petroc Trelawny’s love of music and Cornwall with virtuoso violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen.

There is something for everyone at this year’s event, from a literary lunch with author, columnist and MasterChef judge William Sitwell to the Children’s Story Corners book readings to be held in the Bridge Inn on Saturday and Sunday mornings (with FREE admission to all!).  Hear about the global embroidery Red Dress Project that now features in the Guinness Book of Records; Exmoor ponies; the Two Moors Festival; taking risks on foot and horseback; profitable farming and meet seven local authors, including bestselling author Elizabeth Delo and Moleskine – the Festival’s first canine author!

The full programme and tickets are available via the Visit Dulverton website and HERE – many events have already sold out, so be quick to guarantee your seats!

Festival Director, Ali Pegrum said “In just a week’s time, Dulverton is looking forward to welcoming a whole host of extraordinarily talented writers, bringing an often-requested slice of literary culture to Exmoor. We are immensely grateful to the many local businesses and individuals for sponsoring the event, thus enabling it to go ahead for a fourth consecutive year.”

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The Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2024 makes the town sparkle!

The Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2024 makes the town sparkle!  Such is the headline from the West Somerset Free Press on 22 November.
With a warm and friendly atmosphere, a whole host of top name authors and speakers, and packed audiences in our charming little moorland town, this third Festival has been hailed as a huge success once more.  There were strong ticket sales, queues for book signings and outstanding author talks that spanned a range of emotions – from hilarity to tears.  The audiences at each session were fully engaged and asked some excellent and probing questions.
Jonathan Dimbleby wrote “The atmosphere [at the Dulverton Festival] was wonderful and the enthusiasm of the volunteers as well as the audience made it an outstanding experience.  I am, of course, glad that Endgame 1944 sold out.”  Historical biographer, Andrew Lownie, who was interviewing Jonathan remarked “Dulverton is a wonderful literary festival, with a sense of community and fellowship that you don’t get anywhere else.”  High praise indeed!
Festival Director, Ali Pegrum says she is still wading through all the complimentary emails and messages from speakers, sponsors and audience members, with one bestselling author describing the Festival as “a jewel in Somerset’s crown!”  Dulverton’s shops and eateries were also delighted with the event – many of whom stayed open the entire weekend and enjoyed a bustling trade.  “The town was buzzing!” said Kate Orton, owner of the Copper Kettle Tea Rooms, and Julie Benjamin from the Exmoor Deli said “We were so busy, and the atmosphere in the town was great!”
With the little sparkling Christmas trees put up around the town literally the day before, Dulverton looked gorgeous and festive.  The Festival was supported by people from within the community, right across Exmoor and beyond.  Ali started a new initiative this year with ‘Friends of the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2024’ and was delighted when Friends came up to say hello from as far afield as Yorkshire, Suffolk, Wales, Sussex, Surrey and London.

Jonathan Dimbleby (L) and Andrew Lownie signing books

All the author talks were packed in Dulverton Town Hall, with Jonathan Dimbleby on Saturday, and Caroline Quentin on Sunday both selling out – not a seat in the house!  Jonathan knows Exmoor well and was enchanted by the Festival, the warm welcome, the rapt audience and the intelligent questions asked around his talk about World War II in 1944 and his book ‘Endgame 1944: How Stalin Won the War’.   Jonathan was interviewed by Andrew Lownie who brought along his own book of the period, the biography of infamous ‘Cambridge spy’ Guy Burgess, entitled ‘Stalin’s Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess’.
Caroline Quentin has said she was “thrilled” to have been in Dulverton and how the talk was received with the audience.  She told the Hall that over the years she has travelled across the globe, but that Exmoor is her favourite place and she would never want to live anywhere else. Her book ‘Drawn to the Garden’ is her personal and charming horticultural journey.  She was interviewed by former Editorial Director of Good Housekeeping Magazine, Gaby Huddart.

Caroline Quentin (L) with Gaby Huddart

The Saturday began with a wonderful, emotional talk with a panel of Exmoor’s farmers talking around the beautiful book ‘Exmoor Farms: A Year on the Moor’ with images displayed on the large screen.  Commissioned by the Exmoor Hill Farming Network and The Exmoor Society, and written by Victoria Eveleigh with photographs by Eleanor Davis, it charts a farming year on the moor in words and photographs.

Discussing the book ‘Exmoor Farms: A Year on the Moor’ are (L to R) farmer Alan Collins, editor Jane Pearn, farmers Jack Buckingham and Ian May (chairman of the Exmoor Hill Farming Network).

Author Victoria Eveleigh signing a copy of her book ‘Exmoor Farms: A Year on the Moor’

Whilst author talks were taking place in the Town Hall, local author and Celtic harpist Hazel Prior read from her bestselling novels in the Bridge Inn whilst playing her harp.  On the Sunday morning, the Bridge Inn played host to a Festival ‘Children’s Story Corner’ with children’s writers and illustrators Emily Hamilton and Emma Bettridge reading their books to young families.  Both sessions were free to attend and thoroughly enjoyed by all, with the Bridge Inn welcoming everyone with the cosy woodburning stove alight and coffee and pastries to savour.

Professor Charles Foster with Rachel Campbell Johnston

Later on Saturday morning in the Town Hall multi-award winning author Professor Charles Foster made a passionate case for humans to change our ways when discussing his new book ‘Cry of the Wild: Eight Animals Under Siege’ with Rachel Campbell Johnston.  This was an extremely popular and humbling session.  Charles himself described writing this book as a “thrilling and disturbing journey”.

Deborah Meaden and Claer Barrett with copies of their books

Deborah Meaden filled the hall on Saturday afternoon, interviewed by author and Financial Times columnist Claer Barrett about her new book ‘Deborah Meaden Talks Money’. A hugely fun hour deconstructing finance for young people (and older ones!).  Tax, mortgages, ISAs, krypto currency, the value of money… Deborah was delighted to answer questions from the many teenagers in the audience asking thought-provoking questions around finance and business.

Deborah Meaden signing a copy of her book for Kaila Binding

Best-selling crime writers Louise Douglas (‘The Summer of Lies’) and Sarah Easter Collins (‘Things Don’t Break on Their Own’) held an informal ‘introduction to crime writing’ session in Dulverton Library on Saturday afternoon.  Another sell-out session enjoyed by enthusiastic future thriller writers.  Sarah commented after the event: “How wonderful it was to spend an entire weekend around books and the people who love them. Thank you especially to all the wonderful people who joined us to talk about crime writing: what a lively discussion it was- your contributions were brilliant!”

Thriller writers Sarah Easter Collins (L) and Louise Douglas in Dulverton Library

Novelist, fashion journalist and socialite Plum Sykes ended Saturday with an amusing conversation with Times journalist Alice Thomson discussing Plum’s latest novel ‘Wives Like Us’ set in an imaginary Cotswold village and describing the lives and loves of its wealthy residents.  Many humorous comparisons were drawn between the residents of the Cotswolds and those of Exmoor, with the decision being taken that they are worlds apart!

Novelist Plum Sykes (L) chats with Times journalist Alice Thomson

Guests at the Festival Drinks Party enjoyed delicious ready mixed bottled cocktails from local small business and generous sponsor The Sip Shed.   Members of the Festival committee – made up entirely of volunteers – highly recommend having a bottle or two under the tree for Christmas Day!
Sunday morning began with racehorse breeder and owner Janet Vokes sharing her remarkable story about how she bred her own foal who was raised on her Welsh allotment and went on to win the Welsh Grand National! This extraordinary story was captured in Janet’s book ‘Dream Horse’ and made into a Hollywood feature film too. She shared the stage with racing trainer Johnson White of Exmoor.  They were both interviewed by racing novelist Charles Blanning (author of ‘Rags to Riches’ and ‘Electric Rabbit’) and the session proved to be an emotional roller coaster – laughter and tears in equal measure.  Janet has said she was overwhelmed by the warmth of her welcome in Dulverton and that this talk was the “best one she’d ever done” over many years!

The Racing Talk – L to R Charles Blanning, Janet Vokes and Johnson White

Janet Vokes signing copies of her book ‘Dream Horse’

This year’s Book Club talk, hosted by historical novelist Kate Lord Brown ‘The Golden Hour’, was on the theme of 20th Century Historical Fiction. A lively panel discussion with three multi-award winning, bestselling authors sharing their writing and inspiration with the audience.  Jennie Godfrey ‘The List of Suspicious Things’, Vanessa de Haan ‘A Time to Live’ and Jessica Moor ‘Hold Back the Night’.  The session concluded with Kate Lord Brown reading out the winning entry from the Festival Children’s Writing Competition 2024 and the four authors handed out the prizes to the winner and runners up.

Book Club authors (L to R) Jennie Godfrey, Jessica Moor, Kate Lord Brown and Vanessa de Haan. With winning Writing Competition contestants (L to R) Toby Vigurs (winner) and runners up Jack Richards and Isla Elliott-Boyle

The competition this year was on the theme of ‘Magical Exmoor’ and received a record 65 entries from Somerset, Devon and event Kent!  It was won by Toby Vigurs (Year 5/6 at Bampton School) with runners up Jack Richards (age 7 from Wiveliscombe) and Isla Elliott-Boyle (age 6 from Cullompton).  Toby’s winning entry can be found on the Festival page of the website.
Former Children’s Laureate Lauren Child had been booked to appear at the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2024, but sadly had to pull out because of unforeseen circumstances.  Lauren was disappointed not to have been able to attend, saying in an email that she had “heard only very good things about the Dulverton festival”.

Stanley Johnson with travel editor Miranda Taylor

Exmoor resident, author, environmental campaigner and former politician Stanley Johnson concluded the Festival on Sunday afternoon with a lively session around his book ‘In the Footsteps of Marco Polo’.  This is Stanley’s 26th book and describes his remarkable journey retracing the footsteps of the 13th Century Venetian explorer across China.  Stanley and his youngest son Max clearly had an exciting and memorable journey. He was in conversation with travel writer and editor Miranda Taylor, who did a masterful job of keeping Stanley on topic when there was so much to talk about – the audience loved it!
Waterstones Barnstaple were thrilled with the quantity of book sales in their festival popup bookshop in the Entrance Hall, where authors were invited to sign books after each talk.  Many of the books were completely sold out on the day.

Richard Collis – one of the ‘Meet the Author’ writers in Dulverton Library

Another new and popular initiative at the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2024 was the ‘Meet the Author’ session in the Library.  A number of authors (some local, some self-published) writing on a wide variety of topics, took space in Dulverton Library on Saturday afternoon to share their books and their writing with the public.  These included Jo Middleton, Zoe Gibson Quirk, Ian Parsons, Richard Collis and Powers Ian Mawby.
Plans are already in place for for next year’s Festival, to take place in Dulverton over the weekend of 15 & 16 November 2025.  Suggestions of authors and speakers to include are always welcomed, please contact Ali Pegrum via hello@visitdulverton.com.

Our thanks again to our generous Festival sponsors… Amicus Law Solicitors, Tozers Solicitors, Stockham Farm Exmoor, Dulverton Development Forum, Mr and Mrs Prebensen of Dulverton, Exmoor Magazine, Knight Frank Exeter Estate Agents, Ware Construction, Paul Hardy Antiques, Exmoor News, Osteo & Physio, Jeff Pegrum Landscaping, Risdons Solicitors, Rothwell & Dunworth Antique Books, Winsbere House B&B, Somerset Life Magazine, Waterstones Barnstaple, The Bridge Inn Dulverton, The Sip Shed, Exmoor Character Cottages and Dulverton Town Council.

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The Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2024 is next weekend!

The Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2024 is NEXT WEEKEND!

With less than a week to go until the third Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2024 and with the banner proudly displayed on the Town Hall’s iconic steps, a quick update on what to expect…

Incredibly we received a phenomenal 65 entries from local youngsters for the Festival Children’s Writing Competition.  Competition judge, historical novelist Kate Lord Brown has her work cut out reading and considering all the stories.  The winner and runners up will be announced on Sunday 17 November at 1.10pm.

If you haven’t bought your Festival tickets yet, you may be lucky to discover some on the door on the day, but it’s probably wise to book beforehand to avoid disappointment.  For the full programme and ticket purchasing click HERE

Tickets are still available for Caroline Quentin, Deborah Meaden, Plum Sykes, Stanley Johnson, Charles Foster, the Book Club fiction talk, the Exmoor Farming talk, the Horse Racing talk and the Crime Writing discussion. Sadly former Children’s Laureate Lauren Child CBE will no longer be joining us in Dulverton due to a family bereavement. She was very much looking forward to her visit to Exmoor and we hope we will see her here at some point next year

Don’t forget the events across the weekend that do not require tickets and are FREE to attend, such as the book readings with local novelist Hazel Prior (also playing her wonderful Celtic harp) on Saturday, and the ‘Children’s Story Corner’ with readings for children by writers Emily Hamilton and Emma Bettridge on Sunday.  Both sessions to be held in the Bridge Inn with FREE ADMISSION and refreshments available from 10.30-11.45am

There will also be the ‘Meet the Author’ session in the Library on Saturday afternoon 3.30-5.30.  Drop in to chat with writers Jo Middleton, Zoe Gibson Quirk, Ian Parsons, Richard Collis and Powers Ian Mawby.  All writing on a huge variety of topics.  FREE ADMISSION again!

Our thanks again to our generous Festival sponsors… Amicus Law Solicitors, Tozers Solicitors, Stockham Farm Exmoor, Dulverton Development Forum, Mr and Mrs Prebensen of Dulverton, Exmoor Magazine, Knight Frank Exeter Estate Agents, Ware Construction, Paul Hardy Antiques, Exmoor News, Osteo & Physio, Jeff Pegrum Landscaping, Risdons Solicitors, Rothwell & Dunworth Antique Books, Winsbere House B&B, Somerset Life Magazine, Waterstones Barnstaple, The Bridge Inn Dulverton, The Sip Shed, Exmoor Character Cottages and Dulverton Town Council.

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Tickets for the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2024 go live!

Tickets for the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2024 go live today!  The third annual Festival will take place over the weekend of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November and copies of the printed programme are now available to pick up across Exmoor, Devon and Somerset.  Click HERE to purchase tickets from the online Box Office (they are available online only).

Don’t miss author talks across the Festival weekend in Dulverton Town Hall with…

  • Deborah Meaden and money agony aunt Claer Barrett demystifying finance for young people
  • Jonathan Dimbleby and historical biographer Andrew Lownie discussing Stalin and World War II
  • Caroline Quentin and editor Gaby Huddart will be “Drawn to the Garden”
  • Fashion icon Plum Sykes with writer Alice Thomson discussing Plum’s new novel ‘Wives Like Us’
  • Former Children’s Laureate Lauren Child with her latest ‘Clarice Bean’ story
  • Bestselling novelists Jennie Godfrey, Vanessa de Haan, Jessica Moor and Kate Lord Brown
  • Stanley Johnson and his latest travel journal with editor Miranda Taylor
  • Exmoor’s farmers launching their new book ‘Exmoor Farms: A Year on the Moor’
  • Professor Charles Foster immerses himself into the lives of wild animals with writer Rachel Campbell Johnston
  • Horse racing experts Janet Vokes, Johnson White and Charles Blanning

There will also be a fascinating ‘Introduction to Crime Writing’ discussion with crime writers Louise Douglas and Sarah Easter Collins in Dulverton Library.  Events with FREE admission over the Festival weekend that do not require a ticket, include novelist Hazel Prior’s book readings – with her Celtic harp! – in the Bridge Inn; the ‘Meet the Author’ session with Jo Middleton, Zoe Gibson Quirk, Ian Parsons, Richard Collis and Powers Ian Mawby in the Library; and the ‘Children’s Story Corner’ with book readings for young children with Emily Hamilton and Emma Bettridge in the Bridge Inn.

Waterstones Barnstaple will again provide a popup bookshop, giving the opportunity for author-signed books to be purchased in perfect time for Christmas gifts!

Entries for the annual Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival Children’s Writing Competition are coming in – this year’s theme for writers aged under 13 is ‘Magical Exmoor’. Prizes will be presented by former Children’s Laureate Lauren Child CBE.  Click HERE for the Competition poster and all the details.

Festival Director, Ali Pegrum said “We are thrilled that so many extraordinarily talented writers are coming to our charming moorland town, bringing an often-requested slice of literary culture to Exmoor.  Our huge thanks to the many local businesses and individuals for sponsoring the event, thus enabling it to go ahead for a third consecutive year.”

Full details of the all that’s taking place over the Festival weekend – and details of the pre-Festival special nostalgic cine film evening on 25 October – can be found HERE.

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Winners of the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival Children’s Writing Competition

Dulverton’s favourite historical fiction writer, Kate Lord Brown, was again given the impossible task of choosing the winner and two runners up for the 2023 Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival Children’s Writing Competition.

This year there were 26 remarkable, top level entries from children under the age of 13 from right across Devon, Somerset and Exmoor.  The theme for this year’s competition was to write a story of up to 500 words on farming, life on a farm – really anything to do with farms, to link with Michael Morpurgo’s love of farming and his charity Farms for City Children.  See below the competition entry poster designed by Rebecca Day of The Toad Hall Company.

The entries for the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival Children’s Writing Competition came in from far and wide – Bolham to Watchet, Bideford to Wiveliscombe – and the winner was 6 year old Fergus Brewer from Horner, near Minhead.  12 year old Amelia Toms from Bideford and 6 year old Jack Richard from Wiveliscombe were the excellent runners up.  All of them received prizes donated by Waterstones Barnstaple presented by the UK’s leading family author, Michael Morpurgo – who had just spent an hour on the festival stage chatting about his writing, farming and of course the wonderful ‘War Horse’ book, film and theatre production.

Pictured above from left to right are: Kate Lord Brown, Amelia Toms, Fergus Brewer, Jack Richards, Michael Morpurgo.

Read Fergus’ winning story here:

Bob’s Big Battle by Fergus Brewer (age 6)

Below the biggest mountain on Exmoor was a little place called Evie Farm.

It was full of wildlife and nature, but the farm was sold to a farmer who wasn’t very nice to the soil.

In the soil the microorganisms, the bacteria and fungi were having a fun time playing with each other.

The leader of the bacteria was called Bob, he was the king of the soil bacteria.

Bob is a green soil bacteria, with two small green legs and one eye with a wide smile. A friendly king who loves to play, the bacteria are invisible to humans.

While they were all playing on a sunny day, a sprayer came to the farm and the sprayer declared he would deploy his booms then travelled up and down and released the chemicals.

Luckily Bob knew just what to do.

He asked his friends the fungi to help, Bob and his fellow bacteria used the fungi to boost their strength.

Then Bob and his bacteria army headed to battle

They used their nets to capture the chemicals.

Pow, tang, whallop, urghh, kapoom

and took them deep deep deep deep underground.

And then left them there forever so they couldn’t harm the rivers, animals and soil.

The fungi and bacteria had the biggest party ever with little glow worms as their glowsticks.

The worms sang, the dung beetles played their rock and roll guitars.

People could hear them from miles around, when the party finished the microorganisms decided to take over the soil banishing the chemicals forever.

The new farmers heard their song and sent the sprayer to the scrap yard.

 

 

 

 

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Curtains down on the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2023

The curtain came down on the evening of Sunday 19 November on the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2023 to rapturous applause and fabulous feedback from the speakers, sponsors and members of the audience.  ‘The Exmoor event of the year’ according to Mrs W of North Devon and ‘thank you for two wonderfully interesting and stimulating days’ from Ms G of Somerset; and ‘congratulations on creating the most wonderfully diverse, yet completely connected literary festival’, from editor Mrs M.

From the ‘Survival and Adventure’ talk L to R: travel publisher Hilary Bradt, British explorer Belinda Kirk, festival director Ali Pegrum, UK military survival expert John Hudson

A wide variety of talks and topics

Michael Morpurgo’s talk on Sunday was an event highlight – where he chatted with writer Alice Thomson about his classic ‘War Horse’ and treated the audience of all ages to a reading of a poem about the tortoise and hare, and even sang a beautiful folk song.  ‘Morpurgo was a complete joy’ wrote Mrs B of Dulverton.

 

Rachel Johnson’s (pictured above) enlightening talk about her life in the political arena attracted another huge audience, in conversation with art critic Rachel Campbell-Johnston.  Writers Julian Glover and Victoria Eveleigh discussed the complexities of the use and protection of the countryside, in the company of a fascinated audience that included many Exmoor farmers and landowners.

 

‘Duchesses Behaving Badly’ became the in-house title for a lively talk with historical biographers Andrew Lownie and Catherine Ostler.  Their books about Edward VIII and the Duchess of Windsor, and the 18thC Duchess of Kingston sold like hot cakes in the popup event bookshop run by Waterstones of Barnstaple.

 

Other topics in the weekend’s programme included railways, wine, the benefits of challenge and adventure, and creativity in its many forms – the latter with writer Albert Read, celebrity photographer Harry Borden and editor Miranda Taylor.  Lovers of fiction were treated to a talk with three remarkable novelists – Sarah Turner, Hannh Richell and Janet Ellis – all of whom have new books in the pipeline coming very soon.  Janet, a former Blue Peter presenter, said ‘the atmosphere couldn’t have been nicer and [the whole event] sparkled!’

The Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2023 Children’s Writing Competition

Historical novelist Kate Lord Brown judged the festival’s Children’s Writing Competition and Michael Morpurgo handed the prizes to winner Fergus Brewer (age 6) and runners up Amelia Toms (age 12) and Jack Richards (age 6).  Fergus’ incredibly imaginative and creative story delighted the audience and can be found here on this website. Pictured above are L to R: Kate Lord Brown, runner up Amelia Toms, winner Fergus Brewer, runner up Jack Richards, Michael Morpurgo.

 

The event was sponsored by local businesses Tozers Solicitors, Amicus Law, Stockham Farm Exmoor, The Exclusive Cake Company, Exmoor Character Cottages, Exmoor News, First Design, Hedley Price, Jeff Pegrum Landscaping, Maitland Walker, Osteo & Physio Tiverton,  Risdon Hosegood, The Sip Shed, Town Mills, Ware Construction, Wellhayes Vineyard, Winsbere House, The Bridge Inn Dulverton, James Pryce Tractors, Masons Kings, Rothwell & Dunworth and Fabula Arts.

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Tickets for the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2023 go live!

The programme for the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2023 is complete, packed with top name author talks across Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November in Dulverton Town Hall.  Tickets are NOW ON SALE HERE and the printed programme is available to pick up from locations across Exmoor, Devon and Somerset.

 

Michael Morpurgo needs no introduction as one of the UK’s most celebrated writers – he will be conversing with writer Alice Thomson on his new book about life on his Devon farm.  Rachel Johnson will talk about her fascinating life in the political arena, with writer Rachel Campbell-Johnston.  Historical biographers Andrew Lownie and Catherine Ostler will discuss their biographies of two very different duchesses involved in scandals, interviewed by historical novelist Kate Lord Brown.  This year’s ‘Book Club’ fiction panel will include best-selling novelists Janet Ellis, Sarah Turner and Hannah Richell.

 

Restaurant critic and MasterChef judge William Sitwell will be with award-winning wine writer Henry Jeffreys on the remarkable revolution of British vineyards. Julian Glover, writer and author of the Government’s Landscapes Review: National Parks and AONBs will be with Exmoor farmer and writer Victoria Eveleigh discussing ‘What is our countryside for?’  Another fascinating session will be celebrity photographer Harry Borden and writer Albert Read in conversation with travel editor Miranda Taylor on the subject of enhancing creativity.

 

Dulverton will also welcome British explorer Belinda Kirk, UK top survival expert John Hudson and travel writer Hilary Bradt discussing survival and adventure.  Well-known ITV sports reporter Dennis Coath will recount some funny anecdotes from his many interviews over the years; and local railway historians Freddie Huxtable, Ian Coleby and Amyas Crump will talk on the subject of our local lost railways.

 

Festival Director, Ali Pegrum said “There is already a huge buzz about the 2023 Literary Festival right across Exmoor and tickets are selling fast!  Our thanks to the amazing group of writers for taking part in the event and creating a literary celebration of which Devon and Somerset should be very proud.”

 

The popular Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival Children’s Writing Competition returns, with prizes donated by Waterstones Barnstaple to be presented this year by Michael Morpurgo.  Waterstones will again provide a popup bookshop in the Town Hall with author book signing.  Creative writing workshops for adults and children will be held in Dulverton Library on the Saturday.  All information and tickets can be found via visdulverton.com.

 

The event has been generously sponsored by local businesses Tozers Solicitors, The Exclusive Cake Company, Exmoor Character Cottages, Exmoor News, First Design, Friendship & Sons, Hedley Price, Jeff Pegrum Landscaping, Maitland Walker, Osteo & Physio, Risdon Hosegood, The Sip Shed, Stockham Farm Exmoor, Town Mills, Ware Construction, Wellhayes Vineyard, Winsbere House, The Bridge Inn Dulverton, James Pryce Tractors, Masons Kings, Rothwell & Dunworth and Fabula Arts.

 

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The Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival 2023

Dulverton is delighted to announce the return of the popular Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival in November 2023. Following the success of last year’s event, the 2023 festival is packed full of author talks across Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November in Dulverton Town Hall, with an invitation-only Festival Drinks Party too!

The festival programme is almost complete with a great mix of talks on many diverse topics. Look out for the online and printed programmes with online tickets due to go on sale later in the summer.

Well known names, including Sir Michael Morpurgo!

Top names will be attending, including Sir Michael Morpurgo with a brand new book about life on his Devon farm due out this autumn, in conversation with writer Alice Thomson. Historical biographers Andrew Lownie and Catherine Ostler will discuss their recent biographies of two very different duchesses involved in very different scandals – Lownie’s Traitor King – the Scandalous Exile of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson) and Ostler’s The Duchess Countess (18thC Duchess of Richmond, Countess of Bristol) interviewed by Dulverton’s historical novelist Kate Lord Brown.

This year’s ‘Book Club’ fiction panel will including best-selling novelists Sarah Turner (Instagram’s @theummumsymum) and her debut novel Stepping Up; former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis The Butcher’s Hook; and Hannah Richell with The River Home and The Search Party to be released in January 2024.

Local celebrity and MasterChef judge William Sitwell returns to the 2023 festival interviewing award-winning writer Henry Jeffreys Vines in a Cold Climate on the subject of British wines. Former SPAD to David Cameron, Julian Glover OBE and author of the Government’s Landscapes Review: National Parks and AONBs will be talking to Exmoor’s favourite farmer and writer Victoria Eveleigh discussing ‘What is our countryside for?’  Perfect for an Exmoor audience! Another fascinating session will be celebrity photographer Harry Borden Survivor: A portrait of the survivors of the Holocaust & On Divorce and writer Albert Read with his newly released The Imagination Muscle in conversation with travel editor Miranda Taylor on the topic of creativity.

Dulverton will also welcome British explorer Belinda Kirk, UK survival expert John Hudson and travel writer Hilary Bradt.  Welsh vet Sion Rowlands will tell tales from his hilarious book Letting the Cat Out of the Bag and well-known sports reporter Dennis Coath will recount some funny anecdotes from his many interviews over the years.

Other writers are being confirmed for the event, not least local railway historians Freddie Huxtable, Ian Coleby and Amyas Crump on the subject of Exmoor, Somerset and Devon’s lost railways. Plans are also being made for creative writing workshops to be held in Dulverton Library during the event.

Get ready for the Children’s Writing Competition 2023

The festival will also see the return of the under-12’s Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival Children’s Writing Competition, with prizes donated by our friends at Waterstones Barnstaple to be presented this year by Sir Michael Morpurgo.  Waterstones will again be providing a popup bookshop at the festival with author book signing.

Keep an eye on the Festival page of this website for all the information.

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Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival “A Triumph”!

The inaugural Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival on 19th and 20th November has been described as a “triumph” by MasterChef judge, restaurant critic and author William Sitwell.

Norman Scott

With a packed programme of fascinating author talks in the Town Hall in Dulverton on the Sunday, culminating in a sellout event with Norman Scott sharing his extraordinary life story and how he survived a murder attempt on Exmoor instigated by 1970’s Liberal politician Jeremy Thorpe.

Norman Scott signing his book, An Accidental Icon.

Creative Writing Workshops

The Saturday programme was held in Dulverton Library with local children’s author Annabel Collis hosting creative writing workshops for adults and children.  Much fun was had and storyboards created by all ages!

Children’s author Annabel Collis hosting the children’s creative writing workshop.

Children’s Authors and The Children’s Writing Competition

The Sunday began with a family audience being treated to a chat with two of Exmoor’s most loved children’s authors, Claire Barker and Victoria Eveleigh, followed by the presentation to Orla Scandrett, age 8, of the winner’s prize in the festival’s Children’s Writing Competition with her story, The Hungry Deer.  The competition judge, author Kate Lord Brown had the tricky task of judging 22 entries from across Exmoor and beyond. The runners up were Thomas Hill, age 7, and Kirsty Tyrrell, age 10.

Orla Scandrett, age 8, with her winning story for the Children’s Writing Competition. With (L to R) authors Claire Barker, Victoria Eveleigh and Kate Lord Brown.

William Sitwell

After a free yoga session at lunchtime with celebrated yogi Colin Dunsmuir, the audience was treated to a talk from William Sitwell about Lord Woolton’s task of feeding the nation during WWII.

William Sitwell gives a talk around his book, Eggs or Anarchy.

The Book Club Talk

The next popular talk was with three bestselling authors of fiction, Veronica Henry, Katherine Webb and Kate Lord Brown.  Veronica latterly congratulated the festival organisers for the warm and inviting atmosphere they had created and, along with the other writers, was delighted to have signed and sold so many books via the festival’s popup bookshop hosted by Waterstones Barnstaple.  The trio of authors were interviewed on stage by Poppy Flaxman, Manager of Waterstones Barnstaple.

Bestselling fiction authors (L to R) Katherine Webb, Veronica Henry and Kate Lord Brown.

Alice Thomson

Alice Thomson, Times columnist, then took to the stage to talk about her remarkable book outlining her many interviews with famous and successful people who had faced adversity in their early lives.

Alice Thomson signing her book, What I Wish I’d Known When I Was Young.

Rugby and the Exeter Chiefs

This illuminating talk was followed by Guardian sports correspondent and author Rob Kitson chatting with South West rugby legend Chris Bentley about all things rugby and the rise of the Exeter Chiefs.  Gossip and laughter was shared by the rugby-loving audience!

Chris Bentley and Rob Kitson sharing rugby stories on stage.

Rob Kitson signing copies of his book, Exe Men, The Extraordinary Rise of Exeter Chiefs.

Festival Feedback

Ali Pegrum, Festival Director, was delighted with how the event had gone and said, “After a long year in the planning, it was wonderful to meet this extraordinary group of writers in Dulverton and bring this new event to Exmoor.  Many complimentary comments have been received from the speakers and the audience, thrilled to have been a part of this inaugural event and hoping it will be repeated.  I’m sure it will!”

Sponsorship

The entire two-day festival had been supported by Dulverton Town Council and generously sponsored by local businesses Exmoor Character Cottages, Stockham Farm Exmoor, Exmoor News, Hedley Price Funeral Directors, Jeff Pegrum Landscaping, PFG Fabrication, Town Mills B&B, Tozers Solicitors, Ware Construction, Rothwell & Dunworth Books, Your First Book, Stags Estate Agents, Osteo & Physio Tiverton, Maitland Walker Solicitors, The Exmoor Feasting Company and The Exclusive Cake Company.

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