April kicks off a verdant season of literary events in the Cotswolds:
The Chipping Norton Literary Festival takes place 24-27 April with a full calendar of author talks, readings, workshops and children’s events. On my wish list are appearances by Tim Harford, aka the Undercover Economist of the Financial Times, and Emma Bridgewater, doyenne of British pottery that graces country kitchens (and aspiring country kitchens) around the world.
It may technically be just outside the boundary of the Cotswolds, but I would be remiss not to mention Stratford-upon-Avon and the festivities there for Shakespeare’s 450th birthday celebration on the weekend of 26-27 April. The town’s Literary Festival runs in parallel through 4 May.
Back in the heart of the Cotswolds, festivities are underway to celebrate the centenary of Laurie Lee, author of Cider with Rosie. I’m most looking forward to the 26 June unveiling of 11 poetry posts inscribed with Lee’s poetry and positioned along walks throughout the Slad Valley.