We might still find our daily lives restricted by the ongoing pandemic but that doesn’t stop the UK literature scene from bringing you the freshest, most enriching events, talks, podcasts and interactive experiences this summer!

One of the merits of moving things online is that we can now access events and resources that might otherwise have been out of reach. From free online literary festivals to 24-hour digital podcasts and book-inspired playlists, NCW has hand-picked ten of our favourite events and things to do from literature organisations across the country that we think will bring you joy and give you a taste of the writerly world all from the comfort of your own home.

Say Your Peace: Three Recipes for Self Care

In May 2020, Spread the Word commissioned Young People’s Laureate for London Theresa Lola, and former Laureates Caleb Femi and Momtaza Mehri, to create new poems that explore the impact lockdown has made on us, as part of the BBC Arts ‘Culture in Quarantine’ initiative.

In the film-poem, alongside filmmakers Ndrika Anyika and Jolade Olusanya, they provide a collaborative perspective on what offers them solace amid the disruption and isolation experienced during the pandemic. Say Your Peace is available to view on BBC iPlayer. Watch it here

Image: Ndrika Anyika and Jolade Olusanya, BBC iPlayer

A Delicate Sight

Place darkness at the centre of your perception and explore how your senses, thoughts and emotions are heightened with this guided creative experience.Using darkness, closed books, unseen pictures and partially heard songs, A Delicate Sight allows you to explore the frontiers of your imagination and create your own unique expression of art.

The three-step interactive experience premiered in May at City of Literature 2020, presented by the National Centre for Writing and Norfolk & Norwich Festival, and is entirely free to access. Find out more

National Theatre of Scotland: Makar 2 Makar

Created and curated by multi-award-winning writer, Scots Makar, and International Literature Showcase curator, Jackie Kay, Makar 2 Makar showcases a line-up of established literary talent and emerging voices from Scotland and around the world. Each event will feature one or two ‘makars’ paired with a singer who will finish each show with a song. Every week, Jackie Kay will introduce the makar of the week, who will in turn announce who the next one will be. You can watch the premiere below.

The free events will be streamed on National Theatre of Scotland’s You Tube and Facebook channels every Thursday at 7pm for 16 weeks, each show lasting approximately 40 minutes. Find out more

Do you know about a great event coming up this summer? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list. Contact us at [email protected] and use ‘NCW literature events guide 2020’ as your subject header. Thanks!

Article image: Tuur Tisseghem from Pexels