A North Yorkshire book festival and country house are working
together to create a day of literary events to delight visitors of all ages, with a nature theme.
On Sunday 25 June, the beautiful Walled Garden of Scampston Hall will open its gates to welcome five acclaimed writers whose work celebrates wildlife and nature. The special guests include Cumbrian writer Jacob Polley, who will be reading from his most recent book “Jackself” which explores English folklore. Jacob, not known for giving many live performances, was awarded the prestigious T. S. Eliot Prize for Poetry last year and is surely a treat not to be missed.
Biologist and journalist Dr Amy-Jane Beer will be holding a half-day nature writing workshop, giving participants exclusive access to the stunning gardens before they open to the public, to gain inspiration for their writing.
There will be heaps to do for younger readers too, including story time and a tiger mask-making workshop with Waterstones Children’s Book Prize winner for ‘There’s a Tiger in the Garden’, Lizzy Stewart. There will then be a hide and seek game in the gardens, where children can hunt down the elusive tiger and other animals.
West Yorkshire based, multi award-winning author, Horatio Clare, will be reading from his latest book, ‘Aubrey and the Terrible Ladybirds’ and then holding a creative writing workshop for children, where they will be encouraged to create their own mini-beast character.
For something perhaps more scientific, but just as fun, award-winning poet and lyricist Anneliese Emmans-Dean will be showcasing her work ‘Buzzing!’ and latest book “Flying High”, factually accurate books about the poetry of garden mini-beasts and birds, that incorporates poetry within them. Also a performance poet, Anneliese invites visitors to join her ‘Poetry Promenade”. As they walk around the gardens discovering wildlife she will share her poems along the way. What could be a more fun or creative way for youngsters to learn more about the natural world?
Ryedale Book Festival Director Sarah Tyson says, “To have five celebrated writers in such a splendid setting is very special. Scampston Walled Garden will be in full bloom and alive with wildlife – the perfect place to appreciate some the work of our finest contemporary poets and nature writers. The garden also provides plenty of space for an elusive tiger to hide….!
We are grateful to the generosity of Yorkshire business Vet-Way who supports this event.”
Chris Legard of Scampston Hall says, “We are delighted to be hosting the Ryedale Book Festival team for the second year. This year’s impressive line-up of literary stars has something to offer budding writers or keen readers of all ages. We hope the gardens will provide an inspiring back-drop to get all those creative juices flowing!”
For more information about the day, and to book on to the nature writing workshop, please visit www.ryedalebookfestival.com/scampston-hall-2/
Information online here:
www.ryedalebookfestival.com
www.scampston.co.uk
