Sturminster Newton Literary Festival

Sturminster Newton has played host to three notable writers;
Thomas Hardy, William Barnes and Robert Young. Their writing captured the way of life in the Blackmore Vale and each made a significant contribution to English Literature.

The Sturminster Newton Literary Festival draws on this impressive cultural legacy and celebrates the life and works of our three writers. The festival is much more than a journey back to simpler times it also an opportunity to showcase some of our best local authors and working to encourage the next generation of writers.

Join us on Saturday 15th June for what promises to be North Dorset’s landmark literary event of the year. You can expect performances of poetry and spoken word, talks, lectures and costumed local history guides. The festival will culminate with a performance from the Hardy Players at the Exchange, more on that later. The town will be abuzz with activities celebrating all things literary.

To create a fun day and make it something for our kids to remember we are asking you to dress in Victorian Costume. Don't worry, we'll be doing the same and so will some of the shopkeepers. And if it's not your thing come along in any case and add to the fun. Oh, and by Victorian we mean clothes worn in a rural community as the order of the day.

We have put aside the recreation park as a picnic area. No need to lug your hamper around, leave it with us at our gazebo and we'll keep it until time to eat.

Sturminster Newton is situated some 9 miles north-west of Blandford.

More information:
Visit Event Website