We are honoured to have been chosen as the festival charity of the eighth Dorchester Literary Festival which takes place between 15 and 22 October 2022 at various locations around Dorchester.
With over 40 events, the aim of the festival is to provide stimulating talks on a whole range of books by an eclectic mix of authors, in a relaxed and beautiful setting.
Events include royal biographer Hugo Vickers discussing his book on HRH the Duke of Kent, Ben Macintyre who will talk about his new book Colditz and Ray Mears who uses captivating storytelling to recount his travels in the natural world from his book We are Nature.
They are joined by Justine Picardie who will debate the relationship between the visionary designer Christian Dior and his beloved younger sister Catherine following her research for her book Dior, popular writer Minette Walters who will discuss her Desert Island books and Jenny Tough who shares tales about her journey climbing mountain ranges on six continents from her book Solo.
Most of the talks cost £10 and last about an hour. All bookings can be made via the Festival website.
Schoolreaders founder Jane Whitbread attended the launch of the festival in the grand surroundings of the Duchess of Cornwall Inn in Poundbury, meeting renowned BBC journalist and host of BBC Radio’s From Our Own Correspondent Kate Adie who officially opened the event.
As festival charity we hope to gain further recognition and support in and around Dorset. Schoolreaders volunteers have been active in the county for a number of years led by our superb county team volunteer ambassador, Rosie Cunningham.
Festival Director Paul Atterbury will introduce Schoolreaders at the start of all the author talks.
Jane Whitbread pictured with Festival Directors Paul Atterbury and Janet Gleeson.
Schoolreaders is particularly looking for new volunteers across Dorset who can listen to children read at primary schools in Puddletown, Ferndown, Dorchester, Poole, Wareham, Blandford Forum, Gillingham, Weymouth, Bridport, Swanage, Bournemouth and Shaftesbury. Schoolreaders welcomes applications from anyone over 18 who can give a little time each week during term time. Find out more here.
The Dorchester Literary Festival isn’t the only festival this autumn - also, coming up in November (17 - 20th) is the Cambridge Literary Festival. Schoolreaders will have a stand at the festival so do look out for us and come and say hello if you are visiting!
For those in other parts of the United Kingdom, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Berwick, Braemar, Petworth, Harrogate, Cliveden, Tring and London are all hosting events featuring a range of popular and inspiring authors over the next few months. Perfect to visit for anyone keen to gain inspiration about new titles to add to their Autumn reading list!