From ghost writing to celebrity chefs: Here’s what went down at the Lincoln Book Festival

The Lincoln Book Festival celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, and for the first time, events were held on the University of Lincoln Campus, in the Lincoln Arts Centre.

Many events were held over the course of the weekend, from open mic nights to craft sessions to author talks.

The festival took place from 26th to 29th September, right in time for university students’ descent on the city for the new academic year.

The theme for this year’s festival was “Generations” and featured activities designed to “bridge the generational divide and bring people together”.

Jo Dodds, freelance project manager for the festival, said during her speech at the launch event: “We wanted to make it diverse, eclectic. We want people to take risks,’ and with funding from the Arts Council, this year’s programme was the most ambitious and diverse yet.”

The festival kicked off with the launch held in the LAC (also available on livestream) and events such as the International Reading Group, and an opportunity to meet author Jules Acton.

The most sold-out event of the weekend was to see YouTubers Jaime Raines and Shaaba speaking about their book “The T in LGBT,” in which there was also an opportunity to meet them after the event.

On Friday evening, people of all ages from across Lincoln gathered for the Creative Meet Up. It was a chance for fellow creatives, of all different forms, to network and create bonds, all whilst enjoying free pizza!

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This was followed by Verse and Vibes – Open Mic Night allowing people to read their work aloud to an audience. It included doctors, teachers, mental health specialists, retired people and students, including Charlie, a BA English and drama student and Rita, who is studying MA in creative writing.

Charlie at Verse and Vibes

The Lincoln Book Festival also worked with Writing East Midlands in a series of workshops. These included “Demystifying Publishing for Creative Writers” and “Ghost Story Writing”, both held on campus for easy access for students.

The festival also hosted a flash fiction competition over the summer. It invited budding authors to craft a compelling short story in precisely 50 words, focused on the theme “Generations”.

They received 122 entries from ages eight to 80 from all over the UK, with the winners being announced on Saturday.

Rita at Verse and Vibes

The weekend was geared towards families, but there was still plenty to do! From more author talks to a zine workshop on Sunday in the Lincoln Arts Centre Cafe where there was a variety of activities to get involved in.

The Lincoln Book Festival has also set up a new project “Fiction on the Phone”.

Running from September to November, it is an intergenerational project aiming to record the flash fiction short stories and spread them across Greater Lincolnshire, for those with limited access to hear.

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