The World as it Should Be
Stowmarket’s Primadonna Festival returns for its sixth year with a line-up to wow literature lovers and big thinkers everywhere
Images Leo Cackett
In 2019, 17 women got together with the aim of creating a space where readers, writers and creatives could form a community to explore ideas and imagine a better world for us all. The brainchild of these founding Primadonnas is the Primadonna Festival – an event that aspires to be the UK’s most accessible and empowering book festival, championing diversity and voices often marginalised by those in the publishing industry.
Based in Stowmarket’s Food Museum, 2024 marks the first year the festival will be presided over by its new director, Alice Hardaker. “I’m happy to be joining the team for Primadonna’s sixth year. We’re lining up unmissable conversations alongside music, food, therapies and workshops, a great kids’ programme and some brilliant late-night entertainment,” she begins. “This year, the festival will also spotlight the best of the region’s cultural communities and talent on its stages – hosting local authors, artists and organisations including Katie Ward, Kitty Johnson and Suffolk Queer Voices. We can’t wait to return to our much-loved venue, which always guarantees the best foodie backdrop to Primadonna.”
For everyone
Although the event is mostly book-focused, it caters to anyone who enjoys interesting ideas, stimulating conversation, great music and delicious food in the sunshine (ideally).“The site alone is beautiful to explore, and a great space to let your kids run free and have fun,” continues Alice. “With chill-out spaces, much to see (and buy) in the marketplace marquee, wellness, yoga and massage, there’s everything you need to escape the everyday.” Attendees can expect live music, spoken word, disco, DJs, performance, comedy and cabaret.
Described as ‘a raucous celebration of queerness and the animal kingdom’, join London drag king Bi-Curious George for Queer Planet, while Natural Voice Network member Lynn Whitehead will be hosting singing workshops designed for all abilities. Elsewhere, younger audiences can fill their boots with workshops, story sessions and talks from various children’s authors. The Food Museum will also be hosting animal feeding experiences, tastings, tours and more, so there truly is something to keep the whole family entertained.
Trailblazing talent
This year’s line-up is packed with brilliant speakers and inspiring authors putting the world to rights. Join actor and comedian Doon Mackichan as she discusses her newly released autobiography My Lady Parts or Helen Lederer following the publication of her new memoir Not That I’m Bitter. Elsewhere, award-winning artist and author Sinéad Gleeson shares insight into her thrilling debut novel Hagstone. Also taking to the stage is Ela Lee on her searing novel Jaded, in conversation with Chimene Suleyman on her compelling memoir The Chain about gaslighting and sisterhood. Meanwhile, Jane Savidge of Britpop fame will be sharing her insider knowledge into the legendary studio album from Pulp, This Is Hardcore.
This is just a flavour of the diverse line-up waiting in the wings, not to mention the opportunities to hear from a host of new author voices on the literary scene such as Irenosen Okojie, Michael Donkor, Olumide Popoola, Kat Brown and Jane Oremosu to name but a few.
“The mission of the festival is dear to my heart and also crucial for the publishing industry and society at large,” introduces long-time Primadonna fan and television presenter June Sarpong. “Without gender equality in literature, so many important stories go untold and vital voices go unheard. Primadonna aims to plug this gap while unleashing a powerful wave of untapped talent.”
If you consider yourself a budding writer, the festival’s dedicated writers’ area will be there to help unlock your voice. Here, you will have the opportunity to attend author discussions and even sit down one-to-one with industry experts, including publishers and agents. Failing that, bring your own work in progress to use as a quiet and inspiring space to write and reflect. Director of The Literary Consultancy, Aki Schilz, will be sharing advice on how to build your own writing community, with 121 different writers’ surgeries to take advantage of, giving you an unparalleled opportunity to benefit from the advice of the best in the industry.
So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss your chance to experience the world as it should be, even if it’s just for a weekend.
Primadonna Festival takes place from 26 to 28 July at the Food Museum, Stowmarket. Find out more and book your tickets at primadonnafestival.com and follow @primadonnafestival for updates.
