Brightlingsea’s reputation as a small town with a big warm heart will be given a boost by the 2023 Brightlingsea WinterFest, which, for the first time, is linking with the new Brightlingsea Literary Festival.
A “heartwarming” theme has been chosen for this year’s WinterFest, Brightlingsea’s popular annual festival of music, arts and spoken word, which has a packed programme of mostly free events running throughout February
The first ever Brightlingsea Literary Festival, presented by the town’s BrightWords Creative Writing Group, is to run alongside WinterFest during February, bringing even more community-based attractions to spark creativity and encourage wellbeing.
Alix Sheppard, who co-founded Brightlingsea WinterFest with Dave Griffiths in 2015 said: “We know that so many people will be feeling the chill this winter, in physical, financial and emotional ways.
“WinterFest has always aimed to be a beacon of light at a bleak time of year and, for the 2023 festival, our focus will be on warming people’s hearts and celebrating Brightlingsea’s wonderful community spirit.
“Our programme has more than 20 events, most of which are free. There will be a comedy night, winter walks, plenty of music throughout the month, ranging from punk to sea shanties, an art exhibition, free reiki sessions and open days at Brightlingsea Museum.
“There will also be a Music by Candlelight concert, a quiz night and a spoken word event featuring Martin Newell.
“We are delighted to be linking with the new Brightlingsea Literary Festival and their events, running alongside WinterFest, will bring another aspect to the creative life of the town.”
The Literary Festival is the brainchild of BrightWords founder Helena Nwaokolo and leading member Ruth Loten.
A book launch event, a writing and art workshop for children, a “Writing Well” workshop for adults run by psychologist and author Julia Stone and a “Meet the Authors” session and book sale are all part of the Literary Festival.
Helena said: “The BrightWords group has already made an impact on encouraging creativity in Brightlingsea and the Literary Festival, being held in association with WinterFest, will take this forward in a very positive way, giving more people the chance to discover and develop their writing talents.”
Donations made at WinterFest events will go towards our Wellbeing Fund to help local people and a proportion will also be given to the mental health charity, Mid and North East Essex Mind.
More information about Brightlingsea WinterFest and Brightlingsea Literary Festival events will be available on the website brightlingseawinterfest.co.uk
