More than 4,400 young people across East Devon have benefited from the charitable work of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival this year.

The festival, which stages two literary events a year, runs an educational outreach programme, as well as staging events for young people during its September event.

This year, working with Budleigh Salterton Library and with support from Crediton-based bookshop The Bookery, the team took authors to 22 local primary and secondary schools and donated books to local youngsters.

Sue Briggs, chair of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, which has developed a reputation for bringing high quality authors and speakers to the south west, said the charitable aspect of the festival was an important part of its work.

“Part of our mission is to help young people develop a lifelong love of books and reading, so whether that be through taking authors into schools, or our campaign to provide every child with a book, it is an important part of the festival’s vision.”

The young people were involved in a wide variety of events, activity which was supported by grants from the Norman Family Trust and the Fryer Family Recreational Trust.

Events included: Visits by the award-winning author Patrice Lawrence to Exmouth Community College; St Peter’s Exeter; Sidmouth College and Colyton Grammar School.

A poetry slam which took place during September’s festival and was won by students from The Maynard School.

A children’s literary quiz, involving 4 pupils each from 9 primary schools competing for a trophy. First place went to Withycombe Primary, second to Brixington Primary and St Peter’s Budleigh Salterton Primary were placed third.

Visits to primary and secondary schools across East Devon and Exeter by authors Matt Oldfield, Sophy Henn, Alex Wharton and Nikita Gill during the festival’s dedicated schools’ week during October.

Sue added: “We’re very grateful to the authors who took part in our schools’ week and helped to inspire our young people. Our festival is very lucky to have a dedicated team of volunteers on our education committee who run an interesting and inspiring programme for young people.”

This year the festival also launched a fundraising campaign, Books for Kids, to provide a book for children who may not have a book of their own after research by the National Literacy Trust revealed that as many as 1 in 5 children in deprived areas do not have a book at home.

Next year’s Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival will take place from September 20 to 24. A spring event weekend is also planned for March 17 and 18.

 

www.budlitfest.org.uk