I’m absolutely thrilled that The Deepings villages where I live in south Lincolnshire are about to host their first ever literary festival at the end of April 2017. Under the leadership of local Councillor Judy Stevens there’s an exciting programme about to take place. Full details and booking can be found here, but I thought I’d just share a few of the events that I’m involved with on Linda’s Book Bag.

Thursday 27th April

Although we have friends coming that day, I’m going to be sneaking out to attend the festival launch at the library. It’s not long since the library was under threat of closure but a team led by local campaigner Liz Waterland fought hard and now we have a vibrant and exciting venue for the whole community. If anyone would like to go too, just contact the library by 31st March.

Friday 28th April

Again, check here for full event details including Alison Weir and musicians Pennyless, but excitingly for me I shall be hosting Alison Bruce, author of Cambridge Black in a question and answer session from 2.30PM at Iron Horse Ranch. There will also be music from Rachel Eyre.

You can follow Alison on Twitter and visit her website, but why not come along to meet her in person?

Saturday 29th April

With events for children, authors galore and a black tie gala evening with author and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, there’s so much happening on Saturday. I’ll be off to a morning with Karen Maitland, author of The Plague Charmer which is firmly on my TBR.

After that I’m thrilleed to be having lunch with a favourite author Erica James. You an follow Erica on Twitter and visit her website. My U3A latest read for April just happens to be one of Erica’s books: The Dandelion Years and I’m very much looking forward to reading it.

As soon as lunch is over I’m dashing off to the library again for a bit of read dating! Between 2 and 3.30 there will be 10 local authors for readers to meet in the style of a speed dating event! These include Ted Barnes, Carol Browne (click here to read her previous visit to Linda’s Book Bag), Darren Calpin, Michael Cayzer, Jane Isaac (I’ve met Jane several times and she’s lovely! Click here to read my review of one of her books, Beneath the Ashes), Cartlon King, Emma Lannigan, Richard Pike, Ros Rendle and Lizzie Steele.

Sunday 30th April

I haven’t quite decided which event to go to on Sunday, but am very tempted by afternoon tea with poet Stuart Henson in John Clare’s home village of Helpston.

Monday 1st May

Events continue with dance included too so do check out the website for more details. Many events are getting sold out so if you’d like to take part, you’d better get in quickly.

See you there!