Following a successful inaugural year in 2015, NiddFest is returning to the picturesque landscape of
Nidderdale, Yorkshire, from 5th-7th August, to present a weekend programme of literary
greats.
Focusing on celebrating nature in writing, the 2016 programme includes an intimate opening night
with festival patron and poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy and ‘world laureate’ Imtiaz Dharker, a lively
children’s programme, a talk from legendary peace activist Satish Kumar, wild swimming and music
from Mercury Prize-nominated
Kathryn Williams
Taking place over three days, in venues such as the Grade 2 listed church St Chad’s and Fish Pond
Wood in Bewerley, NiddFest captures the unique spirit of the Yorkshire Dales, whilst providing a
platform to world-class authors, poets and experts.
Literary Programme
Championing the best in nature writing, NiddFest is joined by poets Carol Ann Duffy and
Imtiaz Dharker, and authors Adam Feinstein, Nick Davies, Ali Shaw and John Lewis-Stempel. These
authors will be discussing their books, covering a range of topics from ecology in a post-apocalyptic
world (Ali Shaw’s novel The Trees) to the trickery of cuckoos (Nick Davies’ new work Cuckoo – Cheating by Nature).
Other special events include a talk with Indian activist, editor and writer Satish Kumar who became
internationally famous with his peace walk in the 1960s, and who will be speaking on the opening night
of the festival about his new book Soil, Soul and Society. Former Head of Friends of the Earth,
Tony Juniper, will also be speaking about what is really happening to our planet.
Some of the UK’s foremost garden writers are also joining the programme, with British presenter and
gardener Christine Walkden, well known for her appearances on the One Show and
The Great British Garden Revival, talking about her new book, The Life of a Gardener
Outdoor events
In a true celebration of nature, a number of the events will take place outside. The first day of the
programme includes a wood walk and wild swim, followed by a picnic. This will be led by a local
woodsman, who will speak about managing ancient woodland.
Other highlights are a spot of stargazing with members of the Yorkshire Astrological society, a Dawn
Chorus bird walk with author Nick Davies, and a walking tour of Nidderdale’s meadows with leading
advocate of the new naturalistic style of planting,
Dr Noel Kingsbury, who will be exploring plant communities in the wild.
Childrens Programme
The children’s programme has been extended this year, including everything from den building to a big
draw with children’s author and illustrator Helen Stephens and a recreation of the Brambly Hedge
‘Wilfred’s Birthday Party’. There will also be nature games with the director of the Save Childhood
Movement Hattie Garlick. Indoor events will take place in the designated 120-seat children’s tent on
the banks of the river Nidd, whilst den building and other activities will allow children to explore nature
in a safe and fun environment.
Line-Up
Carol Ann Duffy | John Lewis-Stempel
Christine Walkden | Tony Juniper
Imtiaz Dharker | Satish Kumar | Nick Davies
Ali Shaw | Noel Kingsbury | Adam Feinstein
Childrens
Brambly Hedge | Helen Stephens
Hattie Garlick
Music
Kathryn Williams | The Barrowband
Ticket information:
Tickets are per event and range from £3 to £24. They will be available from
www.niddfest.com.
NiddFest Comes South
NiddFest will be popping up at the Curious Arts Festival (22-24 July 2016). Friends of the festival will
be appearing throughout this three day music and arts event at Pylewell Park in Hampshire. NiddFest
speakers include Jackie Bennett, Stephen Moss and Carol Ann Duffy. Kit Peel, NiddFest Festival
Director, will lead an event on the lost language of the countryside, reading extracts from his new book
Snow Summer.
