From Suffolk with love - virtual events for Deepings Literary Festival

The programme will continue to raise the profile of the hugely popular festival, but also build on the opportunities of using digital platforms to safely engage with authors and audiences during the pandemic.

Coun Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy at South Kesteven District Council, said: “Regrettably, planning for events during 2021 continues to be overshadowed by the uncertainties of future Covid-19 restrictions.

“The Deepings Literary Festival committee has responded to the challenge of ensuring the safest possible ways of engaging with audiences by committing to an exciting, high-quality schedule of online events across the year and SKDC’s Cultural Services team is delighted to be supporting the programme by selling and promoting ticket sales as part of our regular digital offer.”

With Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day both on the horizon, the Deepings Literary Festival team has enlisted the help of two Suffolk-based authors to provide a romantic start to the 2021 online schedule.

On Sunday, February 14, Romantic Novel of the Year Award winner Erica James will share stories and experiences of her life and her books – including her latest best-seller, Letters from the Past. Tickets are priced at £3.

For Mother’s Day, a free event on Sunday March 14 sees the link with Suffolk continue through author Isabelle Broom. The one-time books editor for Heat magazine has written seven romantic novels - including her most recent, Hello, Again, - highlighting the trail of a long-lost love affair through Europe.

Both events start at 2.45pm with music from talented musician and actor Will Fowler, ensuring an entertaining introduction to the sessions.

Tickets for both events are available to book online from Stamford Arts Centre at www.stamfordartscentre.com