Belton Estate, near Grantham, will be opening the book on a brand new event next month, tying in with the UK’s National Year of Reading. The grand 17th-century country house, which is cared for by the National Trust, will be holding its first ever Literary Festival from Monday 1 June to Sunday 12 July, celebrating the vast collection of books in its care with a series of themed activities and displays.
The festival will officially be opened, during its first weekend, by illustrator Carolina Rabei who’ll be leading children’s illustration workshops on Saturday 6 June. 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 be delivering a talk at 2pm on Wednesday 24 June about compiling this bucket list of unforgettable trips.
With celebrations centring on Belton’s library, the house will be a focal point throughout the programme of events. A special installation of artworks, inspired by books in the collection, have been created by Grantham Arts and will be on display every day during the festival.
Literature will be celebrated from page to stage too, with both outdoor and indoor theatre. On Friday 3 July, Jane Austen and a cast of her characters will be brought to life in Belton House in one-woman play From Chawton, written by and starring acclaimed performer Beckis Cooper. Plus, closing the festival on Sunday 12 July, the Duke’s Theatre Company will be out on the oval, performing a bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet.
The performances don’t end there as the local Bonnets and Breeches Dance Society will be appearing on Thursday 11, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June as well as Thursday 9 and Saturday 11 July. They will be performing literature-inspired dances and delivering fascinating talks about books linked to Belton’s library in the house and Dutch Gardens.
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 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 13 and 14 June and 4 and 5 July; BSL-interpreted storytelling sessions for under 5s in The Ride indoor play café on Tuesday 9 and 30 June; and adult craft workshops offering the chance to have a go at Coptic bookbinding on Wednesday 3 June and make canvas bookmarks on Wednesday 1 July.
Find out more about the Literary Festival and book ticketed events at nationaltrust.org.uk/Belton.
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