Belton Estate, near Grantham, will open a brand new event next month, tying in with the UK’s National Year of Reading. The grand 17th-century country house, cared for by the National Trust, will hold its first-ever Literary Festival from Monday, June 1 to Sunday, July 12. The festival celebrates the vast collection of books in its care with a series of themed activities and displays.
Opening Weekend and Highlights
The festival will be officially opened during its first weekend by illustrator Carolina Rabei, who will lead children’s illustration workshops on Saturday, June 6. Throughout the festival, her exquisite illustrations from A Story of the Seasons, published by Nosy Crow with text from Anna Wilson, will be on display in the gardens along the East Lawn.
Also visiting Belton during the festival will be Richard Madden, author of Great British Journeys, who will deliver a talk at 2pm on Wednesday, June 24, about compiling this bucket list of unforgettable trips.
Library and Art Installations
With celebrations centring on Belton’s library, the house will be a focal point throughout the programme. A special installation of artworks, inspired by books in the collection, has been created by Grantham Arts and will be on display every day during the festival.
Literature from Page to Stage
Literature will be celebrated from page to stage with both outdoor and indoor theatre. On Friday, July 3, Jane Austen and a cast of her characters will be brought to life in Belton House in the one-woman play From Chawton, written by and starring acclaimed performer Beckis Cooper. Closing the festival on Sunday, July 12, the Duke’s Theatre Company will perform a bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, on the oval.
The local Bonnets and Breeches Dance Society will appear on Thursday, June 11, Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28, Thursday, July 9, and Saturday, July 11. They will perform literature-inspired dances and deliver fascinating talks about books linked to Belton’s library in the house and Dutch Gardens.
Organiser’s Comments
Lydia Wardingham, Senior Visitor Experience Officer at Belton, said: 'We were delighted with the reception for our Austen 250 month last year, so have worked hard to ensure that this June is just as special. Belton’s book collection is one of the most important across the whole of the National Trust, so it deserves this big celebration. We’ve been welcoming visitors to relax and read in the library for a few years now, and this is going to take it to the next level, inviting visitors of all ages to get involved with a great programme of events and activities.'
Other Events
Other events taking place during the festival include a big second-hand book sale with great discounts and 'Blind Date With A Book' offers on the weekends of June 13-14 and July 4-5; BSL-interpreted storytelling sessions for under 5s in The Ride indoor play café on Tuesdays June 9 and 30; and adult craft workshops offering the chance to try Coptic bookbinding on Wednesday, June 3 and make canvas bookmarks on Wednesday, July 1.
Find out more about the Literary Festival and book ticketed events at nationaltrust.org.uk/Belton.
