Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival 2024 'captivated audiences'

This year saw famous names such as Jonathan Dimbleby, Liz Earle, the Rev Richard Coles, Sarah Rainsford, Rick Stein and Robert Harris visiting the town. The festival also provided opportunities for local writers and up and coming authors.

Audiences at Iain Dale’s Susan Ward Memorial Talk on dictatorships were shocked to hear that 70% of the world's nations are ruled by dictatorships and only 60% of Britons voted in the last General Election. Meanwhile historian and commentator Anthony Seldon told a packed Public Hall that the Tories will be out of power for the next decade.

There was a full programme of family events and workshops, alongside a weekend of free family fun in the Mini Marquee on the Green. The main marquee was buzzing in the evening as it hosted a range of free entertainment – from opera to folk singers - every evening.

With a stellar line-up of authors, thought-provoking discussions, and engaging events, the festival continues to solidify its place as one of the premier literary events in the region.

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival holds its Spring Weekend event on March 7 and 8, 2025, and next year’s main Festival will take place from September 17-21, 2025.

Sue Briggs, chair of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival committee, said: “It’s been a wonderful five days here in Budleigh. Thanks to everyone who came along, to our sponsors and supporters and special thanks to our team of volunteers who work so hard to ensure everything goes smoothly during festival week.

“This is the last festival for our current artistic director Annie Ashworth who has brought us so many memorable moments, not just this year, but over the last seven years. She has been instrumental in developing our festival, so we are very grateful to her and wish her all the best.”

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