Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s first Book Fest was attended by a sell-out audience at the charity’s Caldecott Visitor Centre in Norfolk earlier this month (Saturday 18 May).
The event was part of their 40th anniversary celebrations and follows the publication of their special fundraising edition of Black Beauty, in conjunction with the University of East Anglia (UEA), and custodianship of the birthplace of author Anna Sewell, Anna Sewell House, in Great Yarmouth, which they have opened to the public.
The day was headlined by the best-selling crime novelist Elly Griffiths.
“I’ve always loved horses and, when my children were young, we discovered Redwings,” she said. “We sponsored two horses – Darcy and Victor – the first in a long line of adopted horses and donkeys. Redwings makes several appearances in the Ruth books, as does a donkey called Wiggins, another of their Adoption Stars!
“It was a real pleasure to be a guest at this wonderful charity’s first book festival. It was brilliantly organised with great authors, lovely audiences and, of course, gorgeous horses.”
A children’s workshop took place during the special event
Elly was joined by TV presenter and English Master Saddle Maker Suzie Fletcher, who has recently published her memoir, and Joyce Dunbar, who has over 80 children’s books to her name.
“We’re so happy with how our first Book Festival went,” said Nicola Knight, Head of Communications and Campaigns at Redwings. “It sold out within days of the tickets going on sale, and the audience was so engaged and enthusiastic, both about the authors and the horses they got to meet too of course!
“We’ve had a lot of support from the literature community since taking on Anna Sewell House and are thrilled about the opportunities that keep on coming as we share Anna’s story, and how her great love of horses changed the world for the better, as we try to do each day.
“Thank you to everyone who took part or came along, as well as it being a brilliant event, of course, all the funds raised go back into the work we do to help horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in Redwings care.”
Lead image of Suzie Fletcher and Nicola Knight
