… but that doesn’t mean it’s off our minds!
First and foremost, a massive thank you to everyone who came on the day, submitted to Beacon Flash or promoted the event in any capacity. We couldn’t do it without you!
As you likely know, BeaconLit Book Festival is run by a committee of volunteers, all working hard to create an excellent festival for everyone to enjoy. I emphasise ‘everyone’ because it’s true. BeaconLit is a team effort, from on-the-day volunteers, year-round organisers, ticketholders, sponsors and general supporters alike. It’s more than worth it, with all profits going to the Beacon Villages Community Libraries.
In 2023 we raised more than £1000 and are expecting a commendable total for this year. That’s impressive, seriously! 2024 was also the tenth in-person BeaconLit festival (the pandemic halting 2020, as long-serving subscribers might remember) and we’re extremely proud of it. So, here’s to a great year and to making 2025 even better!
In case you missed it, here’s how July 13th went:
The Programme
09:35-10:25 New Voices
- Claudia Cadette- Spectrum of Colours
- Amy Twigg- Spoilt Creatures
- Joanna Wallace- The Dead Friend Project
10:45-11:35 Adele Parks
In conversation with her husband on Just Between Us and thriller-writing
11:55-12:45 BeaconLit a la Carte
Simultaneous running of a:
- Poetry Circle – Will Burns, Robert Gainer and Olga Dermott Bond
- Writer’s Workshop – hosted by Claire Steele
13:30-13:40 Beacon Flash Winner Announced
Read to the end to learn more…
13:40-14:30 Daisy Goodwin
In conversation with Adina Campbell on Diva and her varied portfolio
14:50-15:40 Elly Griffiths
In conversation with Dave Sivers on The Great Deceiver and crime-writing
16:00-16:50 Catching Them Young
Harriet Queralt discusses YA Fiction with
- Eve Ainsworth- Kicking Off
- Ravena Guron- Catch Your Death
- Yasmin Rahman- Why is Nobody Laughing? Unfortunately not present on the day
Highlights
Bestselling author of women’s fiction and internationally acclaimed, MBE Adele Parks headlined BeaconLit 2024! Having sold over five million UK editions of her work, having such an impactful writer at the event was a real privilege. In conversation with her husband on stage, she discussed all things thriller and her 23rd release, Just Between Us in the intimate venue of the school hall. She also stayed afterwards for book signings and conversation.
New for this year was a Poetry Circle, featuring PhD Candidate Robert Gainer, Wendover-based poet and business-owner Will Burns, and former Warwick Laureate Olga Dermott Bond (left to right). The three discussed the journey of a poem, the essential scrappiness of redrafting, and unlikely things that stick with you.
Simultaneously running was a Writing Workshop, hosted by Claire Steele, who leads retreats, workshops and her own publishing company, Constellation Press. In the session, writers and readers alike were invited to merge their imagination with the untold stories of their life.
BeaconFlash Winners
We’re delighted to announce that the winners of the Roy Chapman Ltd BeaconFlash story competition are as follows:
WINNER- Martin Barker with Dirty Little Words
- £75 plus up to 5,000 words critique (worth £100)
- Publication on www.beaconlit.co.uk
- Free entry to BeaconLit 2025.
Second Prize- Jane Ricot’s The Boy, the Canary and the Man
- £50 plus up to 4,000 words critique (worth £80)
- Publication on www.beaconlit.co.uk
- Free entry to BeaconLit 2025
Third Prize- Rachel Frost’s Lucky Man
- £25 plus up to 3,000 words critique (worth £60)
- Publication on www.beaconlit.co.uk
- Free entry to BeaconLit 2025.
We’ve had lots of great in-person feedback for BeaconLit 2024 but, as always, our inbox is open.
For now, here are some updates about upcoming events…
BeaconFlash 2025 is open for entries! Each month, we have a different theme, though all stories must total no more than 500 words. Entry costs £3 per story, or £13 with critique. BeaconFlash is open between August 2024 to May 2025, with the winners announced live at BeaconLit 2025 as well as other prizes. See our website for more!
And Finally…
BeaconLit 2025 has a date for your diaries! We’re happy to say that the festival will be held once more at Brookmead School on Saturday 12th July 2025. We’re stepping up our game and expect a good line-up. Naturally, you’ll be the first to know.
Editor’s Note:
You might have noticed that the newsletter is somewhat different to usual. That’s because Kelsey, one of our committee members, is taking charge of the BeaconLit Promotion Channels. Kelsey aims to bring a more conversational, hands-on approach. If there’s anything you’d like to see more of, let us know! In the meantime, we thank you for understanding while she adjusts to the role.
More from us soon,
The BeaconLit Committee