By Portia O’Toole
States of Independence, an annual independent publishing and creative writing festival, will be returning to De Montfort University’s Hugh Aston Building on Saturday, March 28.
It has been held within the Leicester confines for more than 15 years, and this year will return with Carol Leeming, MBE, as a special guest.
Professor Simon Perril of the Leicester Centre for Creative Writing said: “Fundamentally, States is a great day out – you can even bring your kids. I’ve often described it as a ‘splash of colour against the corporate grey of the publishing world’.”
The day has a diverse timetable which includes a talk by DMU alumni Kimberley Redway, a talk and performance by Carol Leeming, and an open mic session which can be signed up for on the day.
Prof Perril added: “The day is always wonderful, and different each year – my favourite part is browsing the bookstalls.
“It’s always a highlight for us writing staff to see the excellent publications the final year students make and launch – who wouldn’t be proud to celebrate such an endeavour!”
For any students who are thinking about getting creative, his top three tips for people are:
- Do it because it gives you pleasure
- Keep reading/ listening – it’s other people’s work that stimulates our need to get involved and make work ourselves
- Do things on your own terms, follow your own interest, and enter at your own level
Please do come to States of Independence – tickets are free and available at the following link.
It will be taking place on Saturday, March 28, at the Hugh Aston Building of De Montfort University, from 10am to 4pm.
The coffee shop within the Hugh Aston building will also be open for refreshments from 10am to 3pm.
