Double the Fun: Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds Literary Festivals Return!

Two major literary festivals are set to take place in the county this October, bringing together authors, poets, historians, and broadcasters for a celebration of books and reading. The Ipswich Book Festival will run from October 2 to October 4, following a successful event last year that featured actor Larry Lamb. The festival was started by four local business owners who wanted to create a space for people to enjoy books and share ideas. This year, the festival’s theme is 'More than Words,' focusing on how books can connect people and challenge their thinking. Authors such as Brogen Murphy, Eva Verde, Frances Quinn, Matson Taylor, and Ashley Hickson-Lovence are part of the line-up. Festival director Tony Felgate said there will be 50 events across 10 venues in Ipswich over the weekend. He shared that last year’s festival was a huge success, with visitors coming from all over the country to experience Ipswich through books, conversations, and new ideas.

In addition to the main festival, there will be a special Ipswich Book Festival Schools Week from September 28 to October 2. This initiative is designed to give children the chance to meet authors and discover the joy of reading. Andrew Marsh, another festival director and the owner of Dial Lane Books, said they hope to reach more than 4,000 children in Ipswich. He believes that meeting an author can inspire confidence, curiosity, and creativity in young people, and wants every child in the town to feel that books are for them. The festival aims to make reading accessible and enjoyable for everyone, especially young readers.

Later in the month, the Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival will return for its ninth year, running from October 8 to October 11. This festival will feature talks and panel discussions with well-known authors like Louis de Bernières, Rachel Joyce, and Sarah Winman. There will also be guided walks, film screenings, and live performances throughout the town. Artistic director Kate Sawyer described this year’s festival as the biggest and most exciting yet, with a wide range of talks, poetry readings, workshops, and performances. Both festivals are designed to bring people together to celebrate literature, spark new ideas, and encourage a love of reading in the community.