Unheard Histories, Untold Stories: Deptford’s Literature Festival

Unheard Histories, Untold Stories is this years theme for the Deptford Literature Festival.

Celebrating diversity and creativity throughout Deptford and Lewisham, walking tours, talks and workshops will take place at Deptford Lounge in Griffin Street, on March 15 and 16.

Funded by Arts Council England, new works have been commissioned from 38 Deptford and Lewisham based writers including Inua Ellams, Jacqueline Crooks, Jody Burtonand Emma Warren.

Commissioned authors will be speaking with Natty Kasambala – writer, director and broadcaster for Dazed, gal-dem and Vogue – about the connection between music and story, and South London’s hidden and untold music scene.

Throughout the festival, visitors can take a trip to the marketplace in the Foyer of Deptford Lounge, to meet the authors and get books signed. 

Artists – 80 per cent of which are South Londoners – will also be taking part in the weekend events, featuring Inua Ellams, Jacqueline Crooks, Jody Burtonand Emma Warren.

Alongside the adult events, a free programme of events for young people and children aged three to 15 years old will run throughout the day at the Deptford Lounge Children’s Library.

Spread the Word, London’s literature development organisation based in Deptford, has collaborated with independent producer Tom MacAndrew to create this year’s event.

Mr MacAndrew said: “It’s wonderful to have so many local authors and publishers taking part. 

“The local community is at the heart of our programme, which is shaped by the needs of local writers, readers and audiences. 

“There are some really exciting authors taking part, both well-known and up-and-coming, so I hope everyone in the borough will join us to celebrate local talent and find something new in their local area.”

Pictured top: Natty Kasambala who will be speaking at the festival (Picture: Natty Kasambala)