The dream for Blandford Literary Festival started a few years ago when a small group of local writers got together with an ambition to make it happen. The inspiration came from a shared love of words and a desire to use the beautiful town of Blandford and its fabulous buildings to take people on an exciting journey incorporating stories, plays, poems, song and much more. We see this as an opportunity to bring people, businesses and schools together. The first major festival took place in November 2019, with a Festival of Words in March 2022.
Our Mission:
To cultivate a thriving and inclusive literary community that celebrates diverse voices, fostering a love of reading for all ages, and promoting social good through the power of words. As a Community Interest Company, we are committed to reinvesting profits to enrich our community and support literacy initiatives.
We use various venues across the town to enhance the experience for authors, speakers, performers and audience.
To encourage the next generation of creatives and readers, we also have a schools programme with involving the senior School and primary Schools with a competition to encourage participation.
For young adults there will be Young Adult author talks and workshops plus interactive creative opportunities.
Local cafes will host informal gatherings where you can chat with authors, poets and like-minded souls while having a drink and something to eat.
It is our hope that the festival will reach and encourage a wide range of people and become an ongoing yearly event.
Please help us put Blandford on the map as the venue for a caring, supportive Literary Festival for years to come.
Blandford Literary Festival 