The third Wiveliscombe Literary Festival will be taking place at Wiveliscombe Library, Chocolate Books and Wiveliscombe Town Hall on Saturday 19th September.
Judy Leigh – Golden Girls, 3 Witches & an Irish Detective
Judy has written over 30 books in her career, & she currently resides in Somerset. She has a background in theatre and an MA in Professional writing. Her characters are hugely entertaining, Fans of books about the human condition, will love her!
10:15 to 11:30 @ Chocolate Books. £8.00
Oliver Hyams – A Masterclass in Marionette Puppetry
Oliver Hyams is an award-winning puppetry artist and director, and currently serves as Associate Director at Little Angel Theatre, the UK’s leading puppet theatre. He has worked internationally across four continents, directing and designing puppetry for theatre, opera, film, dance, circus, and music video. His puppets have been featured at prestigious venues including Tate Modern, Southbank Centre, Royal Albert Hall, the V&A, and more. Oliver’s productions have been widely acclaimed by critics, praised as “visually dazzling… funny and beautiful… poetic and precise” (The Guardian. In 2025. Oliver received a Fringe Theatre Award for Exceptional Services to Puppetry. Alongside his professional practice, Oliver teaches widely at leading UK Arts institutions.
10:00am to 11:00am (for older people – £10) and 2:45pm to 3:45pm (for younger people – £3 under 10s, £5 over 10s, parents/carers free) at Wiveliscombe Town Hall.
Michelle Werrett – River Writing
Michelle is a farm conservation advisor & rural writer. Her book, Song of the Streams looks at Exmoor rivers, their history, conservation work, wildlife & fly fishing. Michelle’s knowledge of Exmoor is nothing short of amazing!
11:45am to 12:45pm at Wiveliscombe Library. £8
Emma Bettridge & The Wivey Story Club
Emma is a local published children’s author. Her stories address emotional issues in an accessible way for young children and teenagers to understand. In addition Emma is also a theatre producer and early years facilitator who lives near Exmoor, who has worked for several major theatres and festivals including Bristol Old Vic, Pulse festival at the New Wolsey Theatre and others. She currently provides alternative education provision throughout the South West. Emma will talk about writing for children, and read from Goodbye Hobbs before being joined by members of The Wivey Story Club who will read their latest epic.
1:30 to 2:30pm at Chocolate Books. £8
Lionel Ward – Somerset Odyssey
Lionel is known widely as the owner of Brendon Books in Taunton a gem of a bookshop and runs his own very successful Literary Festival each year. When he’s not doing all that, he has turned his hand to writing. He will be discussing his new book ‘Somerset Odyssey.’
15:45 to 16:15 at Wiveliscombe Library. £8
CM Ewan – An afternoon with…
A local writer from Taunton. Chris is a bestselling author of mystery and thriller novels, recognized for his engaging storytelling and compelling characters. Chris is best known for his Good Thief’s Guide series, which follows the adventures of Charlie Howard, a crime writer and burglar. In addition to the series, Ewan has written standalone thrillers, including:
• Dark Tides and Dead Line: Both received critical acclaim.
• A Window Breaks: His first standalone thriller (2019).
• Strangers in the Car: (2025), is one of his latest works
16:30pm to 17:45pm at Wiveliscombe Library. £10 (including refreshments)
Printed programmes are available from Wiveliscombe Library.
Tickets are available at Wiveliscombe Library or from Ticket Source.