Arvon North’s Festival of Writing is a celebration of creative writing, imagination, and the power of storytelling.
This isn’t a literature festival. Instead, the Festival of Writing is a unique opportunity for everyone to explore the world of writing.
From Thursday 30 May – Sunday 2 June 2024, the town of Hebden Bridge will be the backdrop for Arvon North’s first creative writing weekend, featuring high quality workshops, speed pitching sessions, a free family fun day, and our very own Arvon exhibition.
There’s something for everyone to discover.
Thursday 30 May - Sunday 2 June
Writers Under The Lens
Discover four decades of literary greatness at Arvon's exhibition in Northlight Art Studios. Photographer, Claire McNamee, has visited Lumb Bank for the past 40 years to capture all the iconic writers who have shaped the art of storytelling at this writing house. No booking required.
Friday 31 May, 19:30
Lemn Sissay
Lemn Sissay's connection with Arvon goes back to his teenage years when he came to Lumb Bank to do a writing course which had a profound effect on his creativity. For the past decade, Lemn has started each day by writing a short poem. The best of these are in one inspiring volume - 'Let the light pour in'. Join this phenomenal performer in Hebden Bridge Town Hall.
Saturday 1 June, 10:00 - 18:00
Festival of Writing Day
Experience the Arvon magic in Hebden Bridge with an inspiring day of fiction, non-fiction and poetry writing workshops led by Arvon tutors. Day tickets include: your choice of 2 x two-hour workshops, industry talks, peer networking, tea and coffee served throughout the day, a light lunch and cake, and an option to add on a speed pitching slot.
Saturday 1 June, 19:30
Henry Normal
In this new show, writer, poet and TV & film producer Henry Normal will be concentrating on SIMPLY everything! Jokes, poems and stories digging deep into the subject of every single thing in the universe and beyond. A show honed perfectly for everyone in particular. Join Henry at the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge.
Sunday 2 June, 10:00 - 16:00
Free Family Fun Day
A day of writing workshops, games and music for all the family. There will be free drop-in workshops on the hour in our fairy-lit tent as well as outdoor activities. For the adults, there will be intimate readings aboard our Festival narrowboat 'Utopia' from a host of local writers. No booking required.
