HALF Highworth Arts & Literary Festival

HALF Highworth Arts & Literary Festival Festival June 2026

Writing For ChildrenAward-winning British author and illustrator Steve Antony leads an inspiring and practical workshop ...
29/05/2026

Writing For Children

Award-winning British author and illustrator Steve Antony leads an inspiring and practical workshop for adults interested in writing for children .

Whether you are an aspiring writer, illustrator, teacher, or simply curious about how children’s books are created, this session will explore what makes a story truly work for young readers - from voice, character and structure, to understanding how children engage with stories and images.

Through discussion, and guided creative exercises, participants will gain insight into the craft of writing for children and leave with ideas, tools and renewed confidence to develop their own work.

No prior experience is necessary - just curiosity, creativity, and a love of children’s books.

Suitable for adults. All welcome.

Date: Saturday 20 June
Time: 10 - 11:30am
Venue: Community Room, Gilberts Lane
Places Available: 20
Price: £18
Online booking only

https://visit-highworth-ltd.sumupstore.com/product/half-writing-for-children

One for the kids….Found Puppetry WorkshopWith professional puppet company Les Enfant Terribles. Build, create and animat...
28/05/2026

One for the kids….

Found Puppetry Workshop

With professional puppet company Les Enfant Terribles. Build, create and animate with our Found Puppetry workshop.

Working with recycled household materials, our experienced puppetry practitioner will excite and entertain your children while teaching them the foundations of design, animation and puppet manipulation.

Easily sourced objects will be brought to life to help spark creativity and playfulness.

For children and young adults ages 11 to 18.

Date: Sunday 21 June
Time: 10:00am - 12pm
Venue: The Community Centre, Main Hall
Places Available: 22
Price: £10
Online booking only

https://visit-highworth-ltd.sumupstore.com/product/half-found-puppetry-workshop

It’s coming…An arts festival - not so very far from you!Come join the fun!15th - 21 June. Highworth. Art exhibitions, an...
27/05/2026

It’s coming…

An arts festival - not so very far from you!
Come join the fun!
15th - 21 June. Highworth.

Art exhibitions, an art trail, writing workshops, children’s story time, puppetry, poetry, performance, competitions, and more…

Oh and did I mention there’s a unique festival beer!

1-1 Advice for WritersFirst impressions count!Are you an aspiring author? Would you like an expert to critique your work...
26/05/2026

1-1 Advice for Writers

First impressions count!

Are you an aspiring author? Would you like an expert to critique your work? During the Festival you have the opportunity to engage in a 20 minute one-to-one conversation with author Jasper Fforde. You will need to submit a portion of your work for Jasper to read beforehand. All the details about this submission will be provided on purchase of a ticket ...

Date: Saturday 20 June
Time: 20 min timed sessions
Venue: The Highworth Hotel
Places Available: 8
Price: £25
Online booking only

Woohoo!For the Festival, Highworth is getting a pop up bookshop! How exciting!It’ll be on the High Street! Can you guess...
25/05/2026

Woohoo!

For the Festival, Highworth is getting a pop up bookshop!
How exciting!
It’ll be on the High Street! Can you guess which shop? You might be surprised..,

Details coming very soon.

HALF Quiz NightAt the beginning of the Highworth Arts & Literature Festival week come and take part in a friendly Quiz N...
24/05/2026

HALF Quiz Night

At the beginning of the Highworth Arts & Literature Festival week come and take part in a friendly Quiz Night hosted by the Goldfinger Tavern.

On a literary note the Goldfinger opened in 1971 and is named in honour of the eponymous James Bond villian. James Bond creator, author Ian Fleming lived nearby at Sevenhampton. Come along with a team.

Date: Tuesday 16 June
Time: 8pm
Venue: The Goldfinger Tavern, Newburgh Place, Highworth SN6 7DN
Price: £2 per person

PAY ON THE NIGHT

Have you heard the one about the Highworth ghost? 👻 Want to get involved in a Story Writing Competition? ✍️ Of course y...
24/05/2026

Have you heard the one about the Highworth ghost? 👻

Want to get involved in a Story Writing Competition? ✍️
Of course you do!
Well, if you don’t, I’m sure you know someone who would, do at least help us spread the word…

2 categories:
11-17 Years
18+ Years

Your Title is GHOST STORY

Entries only be accepted by email. Please use either Times New Roman or Arial font point 12. You should write your story in exactly 50 words not including the title. Please add your name, age (if entering the Junior competition) and contact details at the end your story with several clear lines spacing. This will enable it to be removed prior to judging.

The email address for entries is: [email protected]

The entries will be judged by Bert’s Books. 1st prize in each category: £25 book token. Runner up prize in each category: £10 book token. The judges’ decision is final.

Closing date: Saturday 6 June 2026 at 2pm.

Bookings are hotting up for this year’s Arts and Literary Festival! Are you interested in art? An artist yourself?Do you...
23/05/2026

Bookings are hotting up for this year’s Arts and Literary Festival!

Are you interested in art? An artist yourself?
Do you love books? Reading? A writer? Or have that idea for your book in you head?
I guarantee we’ve got something for in this year’s festival.

Events for both adults and children.

Don’t miss out…
Make your way to our website to browse and book: https://visithighworth.co.uk/vhl-half-programme.html

Another exciting workshop for your delight in this years festival!Improvised Story TellingWith experienced improvisor an...
21/05/2026

Another exciting workshop for your delight in this years festival!

Improvised Story Telling
With experienced improvisor and coach Matt Sparkes. A fun and playful workshop for adults. Explore fully accessible games, exercises, and, of course, join in the improvised stories in this exciting session. No experience necessary, participants must be over 18.

Date: Sunday 21 June
Time: 2 - 4pm
Venue: The Community Centre
Places Available: 14
Price: £18
Online booking only

Address

Highworth
Swindon
SN6

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