Imagine if you could programme your own book festival. Who would you put on stage and what questions would you ask? Sixteen school pupils from Norfolk have been given this opportunity as part of Engage! Young Arts Professionals.

The pupils from ten schools, all aged 15 – 17, have been handed the reins to their own literature festival on the theme of ‘social activism’. They will be responsible for every aspect of the festival including booking the writers, planning promotion, managing the budget and selling tickets.

The pupils taking part in the programme are;

• Mathilda Arminger, Paston College
• Martha Dack, CNS
• Elizabeth Davy, Hartismere High School
• Taryn Everdeen, Paston College
• Beatriz Feiteirinha, Dereham Northgate High School
• Tomas Frere-Jenkins, Hewett Academy
• Ana-Mae Lee, Hellesdon High
• Hayden Lewis, Thorpe St Andrew
• Nicky Matthew, Springwood High School
• Grace Murray, Norwich School
• Amelia Platt, Litcham School
• Eleanor Sparks, Hellesdon High
• Joel Starling, Hellesdon High
• Grace Stewart, Hewett Academy
• Maud Webster, CNS
• Billy White, Norwich School

The festival will take place in Norwich, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature next spring as part of the City of Literature programme for the Norfolk & Norwich Festival.

We will be following our young arts professionals as they start planning their events for next year – stay tuned!