2025 MEET CUTE BOOK FESTIVAL @meetcutebookfest

THE FESTIVAL FOR BOOK LOVERS AT HOME FARM GLAMPING, ALDERNHAM WD6 3AZ

On Saturday, I went to a book festival. I had bought the ticket ages ago, so I watched with interest as they added more authors and events to this brilliant lineup. They had one last year, so this year was even better. This glamping ground was lovely, with numerous tents set up and ready for people to camp. The festival was set in the very scenic grounds, also giving the right amount of shade as it was a glorious day.

My first event was at the woodland stage, where Anstey Harris was talking to Chloe Ford about how powerful nature writing can be for the reader. Describing scenes can make the story come alive, also telling the season without writing the word or even the smell af a fresh cut lawn or the type of trees to visualise the setting.

My next events were at the author hub, such as a beautiful setting in the trees, sitting on benches and chairs made from the wood they had cut down. Jane Crittenden was talking about locations in writing. I do think it makes a difference where your book is set, as I know I always go for ones set in Italy, as I want to know all I can about the country and people. I find that with books, you can find out simple things that are not necessarily in tourist books.

   

Then Victoria Springfield talked about Italy and why she set her story there. I had just bought her book, so she signed it for me. I am looking forward to reading it. I have never had such a big to be read pile of books and that’s without what is on my Kindle. These talks were fascinating, and it makes a difference if the writer has been to the places they are writing about. There is a link on the bookmark to sign up for her newsletter.

My book pile from my day out.

My next stop was a writing in nature workshop with Anstey Harris. I had met Anstey before, as she used to live in Deal and did a talk at Folkestone library. It was great to catch up with her again and to hear how she was enjoying living in Scotland now and doing nature walks and retreats. Anstey will be doing a guest post on this blog later in the summer, all about her events and work.

The talk was so interesting, she then had us in pairs where one was blindfolded and led to a tree, and you had to describe it. The time went by far too quickly, but I did pick up some interesting facts.

For arthritis, get stinging nettles and put them on the area, so a lot easier for fingers or hands. I was sitting there thinking, how could I get my hip in the stinging nettles lol. Would the pain be worth it?

There are two types of nettles, female and male, and they each grow in clumps and never together.

If you cut of the top of female ones with the seeds in and let them dry out on greaseproof paper then store until used. Take a spoonful in water and you will stay awake all night! Not that I would ever want to as I need my sleep.

The number of books was amazing, with everything going to the authors. I loved all the stalls with all the bookish products for sale. There were also a few food vans, bars, coffee stations, water taps, ice cream van all available during the day.

Lizzie Chantree is not only an author but also develops so many bookish products, from t-shirts to prints and mugs. The code and web address are on her bookmark in the pictures, so please do take a look at the site.

This stall called Lets be cats jewellery was amazing and I could have spent a fortune here. This is all made from old damaged books, also pencils, I love the pencil earrings.

So many stalls with such super things to buy.

 

 

I already have this on my Kindle, so looking forward to reading it now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also went to the Bookish pub quiz and joined a team, how lucky was I as we came third and I only answered one question correctly! Did get a good book and a pencil as a prize, then the author Claire McCauley gave me her two books to read and review. I was so happy

I didn’t get to see the raffle or tickets to buy, and I never found the Pimms! But it was a fantastic day, and I would go again as it was the best book event I have ever been to. It was a bit of a drive from Folkestone, but well worth it. I think this is one of the longest blog posts I have written, so it just goes to show what a fantastic job they did organising this book festival.

I cannot wait for the next one.