Join us in celebrating the life and work of Edward Thomas at the Edward Thomas Literary Festival 2024.

Celebrating the life and work of Edward Thomas, this year's festival promises to immerse participants in the beauty and power of poetry, with a special focus on the themes of nature and birdsong. Whether a long term lover of poetry and Edward Thomas, or new to the wonderful world of words, there is something for everyone.

Edward Thomas Literary Festival Highlights:

Family Creative Workshops: Fun and engaging activities designed to inspire young poets and their families.

Poetry Readings and Performances: Enjoy live readings and performances by renowned poets.

Open Mic Night: Share your own poetry or simply enjoy the creative atmosphere.

Adult Workshops: Deepen your understanding and craft with expert-led sessions.

Talks and Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking conversations about poetry, nature, and Edward Thomas's influence.

Edward Thomas Literary Festival Participants:

  • Michael Longley
  • Andrew Motion (Former Poet Laureate)
  • Alice Oswald
  • Jess Mookherjee
  • Mathew Hollis
  • Yvonne Reddick
  • Ellora Sutton
  • Sarah Doyle
  • Edna Longley
  • Isobel Dixon
  • Douglas Robertson
  • Zaff Kunial
  • Alesha Racine
  • Cat Mehta

 

The Legacy of Edward Thomas

Attracted by the landscape and the South Downs, Thomas and his family lived in Steep from 1906-1916.

Known during his lifetime as a critic, essayist and writer of books about the countryside, Thomas moved towards writing his own poetry in late 1914. Before Edward Thomas saw his poetry printed under his own name, he was killed at the Battle of Arras in 1917.

Since then, Thomas’s reputation as a nature poet has increased greatly and his posthumous influence on the development of English verse is now widely recognised.

The Edward Thomas Study Centre

The Edward Thomas Study Centre is home to the Tim Wilton-Steer Collection of works by and about Edward Thomas.

In addition to the extensive library of poetry and prose, there is an eclectic display of work from artists inspired by Thomas's work - including wood and lino-cuts, calligraphy, sketch work and paintings, particularly of the Memorial Stone on the Shoulder of Mutton Hill between Steep and Froxfield.

Open to the public at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am-3:30pm