Have you always fancied yourself a bit of a Shakespeare or a Dickens but never thought to pursue it? Now is the time to explore the world of writing.

For over fifty years, Arvon has been the UK’s home of creative writing. With four houses in Devon, Shropshire, Yorkshire, and the virtual house Arvon at Home, generations of writers have been inspired by their experience.

At the end of last month, the town of Hebden Bridge hosted Arvon North’s first creative writing weekend, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to delve into the world of writing. The creative writing weekend featured amazing workshops, speed pitching sessions, an exhibition, and family-friendly activities.

‘Writing under the lens’ explored four decades of literary greatness at an exhibition featuring iconic writers who had shaped the art of storytelling at Lumb Bank. British author Lemn Sissay hosted a creative writing workshop, guiding attendees through his creative process, including how he started every day with a poem.

Saturday was an inspiring day of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry writing workshops led by Arvon tutors. Participants could expect industry talks, peer networking, tea and coffee served throughout the day, a light lunch, cake, and an option to add on a speed pitching slot. Writer, poet, and TV & film producer Henry Normal delved deep into the subject of everything in the universe and beyond through jokes, poems, and stories.

And for Sunday funday? A day of writing workshops, games, and music for all the family. Free drop-in workshops were available on the hour in the fairy-lit tent, along with outdoor activities. Adults enjoyed intimate readings aboard the Festival narrowboat 'Utopia' from a host of local writers.

Learn more about Arvon North and their upcoming events on their website.

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