Why it matters: The inaugural Ipswich Book Festival marks a significant cultural milestone for the county town, with the university's English department playing a central role in celebrating both established literary works and new creative voices from Suffolk.
The big picture: Three University of Suffolk academics will lead sessions exploring everything from Shakespeare's radio legacy to contemporary neurodiversity in children's literature, while also showcasing work by the university's own creative writing students.
The details: Dr Andrea Smith will discuss her new book, Shakespeare on the Radio: A Century of BBC Plays, in conversation with colleague Dr Jenny Amos at the Ipswich Institute on Saturday morning. Smith, who describes herself as "Suffolk born and bred", said she's "delighted to see our county town finally getting its own book festival."
Dr Lindsey Scott, who runs the MA in Creative and Critical Writing, will interview bestselling novelist Elle McNicoll about her latest book, Role Model, and the author's writing process at St Clement's Arts Centre on Friday evening.
What they're saying: Smith explained the university's involvement: "The organisers want to celebrate the transformative power of books, bringing new voices to people's attention and building connections. That's exactly what we do at the university — helping our students develop their creative work and connect to the community around us."
Jenny Amos, a spoken language specialist, added: "It's always a lot of fun when Andrea and I get to work together, and I'm really looking forward to discussing Shakespearean works from such a fresh and vibrant perspective."
Local talent showcase: The festival will also feature readings from Suffolk Haunts: Original Stories Inspired by the Legends and Landscapes of East Anglia, the fourth short-story anthology from the university's MA students and graduates. Scott will support the MA students and graduates as they discuss their published work during the readings at the Unitarian Meeting House on Sunday afternoon.
Scott said: "We are so proud of our MA students and alumni for writing these wonderful stories about our county. Some of them have already been featured in Suffolk Magazine, and we are delighted they can be shared at the first Ipswich Book Festival."
What's next: Visiting Fellow Ashley Hickson-Lovence will also appear on Sunday afternoon in a bus on the Cornhill, discussing his works, including The 392, Your Show, Wild East, and Why I Am Not a Bus Driver.
The festival runs from 3-5 October at various venues across town, with tickets available through the New Wolsey Theatre website.
The bottom line: Local academics are using the inaugural festival to champion both established literary works and emerging Suffolk voices, helping to build the town's cultural reputation.
