Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire will be hosting its first annual Butser Book Festival on October 19th and 20th, 2024. The open-air experimental archaeology site will provide the perfect backdrop for a weekend of literary celebration, featuring talks, readings, music, workshops, and family-friendly activities.
The festival aims to ignite the imaginations of book lovers and aspiring writers of all ages. From historical fiction to folklore and nature writing, there will be something for everyone at this unique event. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and hear from bestselling authors, participate in hands-on workshops, and enjoy live music and storytelling in a variety of ancient settings.
Some of the festival’s highlights include talks from renowned historical fiction writers such as Elodie Harper, Adrian Goldsworthy, and Lucy Holland. Children can participate in a writing workshop led by bestselling author Caroline Lawrence, whose Roman adventures for young readers are inspired by Butser Ancient Farm.
Creative writers can attend workshops led by celebrated authors Lucy Holland and Tiffany Francis-Baker, and learn how to incorporate history and the wheel of the year into their work. They can also take part in storytelling workshops and forage for inspiration outside in the ancient site and nature. Craft lovers can attend a workshop on lino-cutting a bookmark with designs inspired by mythical creatures, while music enthusiasts can enjoy live performances in small, atmospheric ancient buildings.
All workshops require pre-booking and come with a fee to help fundraise for Butser Ancient Farm’s experimental archaeology efforts. Organiser Sofie Kitts says, “Nothing brings historical fiction, folkloric and nature writing to life more than by celebrating it in an ancient setting like ours. We’re very lucky to reach so many booklovers, artists and writers, and feel so excited to bring them all together in a venue like no other book festival takes place with such a diverse, fascinating programme of workshops, talks and more.”
Butser Book Festival is not just a celebration of books, but a chance to experience the magic of storytelling in a unique and inspiring setting. Families, bookworms, craft lovers, and writers are all invited to join in on the fun. Tickets can be purchased in advance and workshops can be booked on the festival’s website. Spaces for workshops are limited, so early booking is recommended.
For more information, contact Sofie at Butser Ancient Farm. Tickets and the full programme can be found on the festival’s website. Don’t miss this extraordinary event celebrating literature at Butser Ancient Farm.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.