Mark your calendars for a remarkable literary celebration as the town of Great Dunmow in Essex prepares to become a giant bookshop for a single day this summer. The event, scheduled for June 13 from noon to 5pm, will see almost 100 shops and authors taking over the town to create an immersive experience dedicated to books, reading, and supporting the local high street.
Inspired by a Missing Bookshop
The innovative concept was born from the observations of author John Tarrow, who wrote novels set in Great Dunmow and noticed the town lacked a dedicated bookshop. As the creative director of Great Dunmow BookFest, Tarrow saw an opportunity to fill this gap temporarily by transforming the entire town into a literary hub. He is the author of 'The Stranger's Guide To Talliston' and its sequels, which are set in Talliston House and Gardens.
John Tarrow expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “Essex is a county of deep history and fascinating stories, filled with writers and authors who tap into its unique sense of time and place. Great Dunmow was the perfect place for creating ‘Britain’s most extraordinary home’ and the setting for my young adult fantasy series. And I’m looking forward to spilling a little of that Talliston magic into the town.”
A Milestone for Essex
This event is set to establish Dunmow as the first Essex Book Town, marking a significant milestone in the region's cultural landscape. It forms part of the broader month-long Essex Book Festival, which offers a diverse programme of activities across the county.
Ros Green, the festival director, highlighted the community-focused nature of the initiative: “For a town without a bookshop, it is a fantastic idea to bring the community together through storytelling and books. And then, perhaps – you never know – a bookshop might be born in Great Dunmow. Wouldn't that be nice!”
What to Expect at the Festival
The Essex Book Festival will deliver an extensive range of events designed to engage audiences of all ages and interests. Attendees can look forward to:
- Author talks and conversations with local and national writers
- Guided walks exploring literary and historical themes
- Interactive workshops and panel discussions on various topics
- Family-friendly activities to inspire young readers
- Writing surgeries for aspiring authors seeking advice
- Live performances, including readings and theatrical pieces
- Talk and taste events combining literature with culinary experiences
- Live podcasts and exhibitions showcasing creative works
- Writing residences and book club events to foster community dialogue
This celebration aims not only to promote literacy and local commerce but also to potentially spark the establishment of a permanent bookshop in Great Dunmow, enriching the town's cultural offerings for years to come.
