New faces and venue for Stratford Literary Festival

Organisers of the Stratford Literary Festival have hailed last week’s (3-8 May 2022) 15th anniversary event an ‘exciting development’ in its history.

“We were delighted by the Festival,” said Festival Director, Annie Ashworth. “We really enjoyed being in our new venue at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and audiences loved the event spaces and the varied programme.

“We saw a great number of people who had never attended the Festival before, and we are really excited by that development.”

Lodders has sponsored Stratford Literary Festival each year since its launch in 2008.

This year, the firm supported three individual events, one featuring Dr Louise Newson, author of ‘The Menopause’, a ‘Can’t we just print more money’ panel-led discussion featuring Rupal Patel and Jack Meaning, and ‘an audience with’ event with journalists David Hendy and Henry Mance, who took the audience on a journey through the BBC’s 100 years.

Iconic

“Our guests listened with interest to the presentation on the history of the BBC, which so many of us hold dear,” said Beverley Morris, partner and head of Lodders’ top ranking Family Law team.

“It was highly topical, given that the debate continues as to whether the licence fee should be scrapped. But the audience and panel agreed that the BBC continues to expose us to world class productions with iconic moments,” she added. “Who can forget Mr Darcy emerging from the water in Pride and Prejudice?

“The sun shone, the scones were marvellous, and a highly talented journalist entertained us – just the way to end the working week.”

‘Cultural richness’

Lodders is committed to supporting many of Stratford’s arts, charities and community organisations, but its relationship with Stratford Literary Festival is the firm’s longest-running in the town.

“Lodders has had a long association with supporting events in and around Stratford upon Avon that highlight the cultural richness of the area and the great diversity of interest,” explained Beverley.

“We sponsor the Literary Festival for many reasons, but not least because it gives us the special opportunity to promote the great benefits to be derived from a love of literature and writing. The Festival is a marvellous opportunity to connect with the authors and to probe them on the inspirations behind their ideas.”

Annie added: “Our enormous thanks as ever go to Lodders for partnering with us and enabling the Literary Festival to deliver an excellent 15th anniversary event.

Stratford Literary Festival’s vision

“Stratford Literary Festival has come a long way since we launched it in a tent in Avon Bank Gardens in 2008, and this year’s programme, and line-up of best-selling writers and opinion formers, are the vision of what we had in mind all those years ago come good.

Visit the event website for more information about the 2022 Stratford Literary Festival.