Cultureword newsletter

Here is the latest Cultureword newsletter with details of what's on and creative opportunities:

Events and Opportunities from Cultureword August 2026 Dear writer, We're hoping that the summer sun has been a source of creative stimulus for you all! It's been a season of new beginnings for us here at Cultureword, with lots of engaging writing activities and opportunities for you on the horizon 🌅 Happy reading,  Cultureword Follow us: Website www.cultureword.org.uk Instagram @cultureword Facebook facebook.com/culturewordcommonword Our new CEO Nii Ayikwei Parkes joins as our new Chief Executive We are overjoyed to have acclaimed writer, publisher and activist Nii Ayikwei Parkes, FRSL, take the helm as Cultureword CEO. Bringing over 25 years of experience in publishing, creative writing and cultural production, Nii has a longstanding connection with Commonword Cultureword, having attended our Wednesday workshops at Mount Street back in 1996! Describing his appointment as a 'deeply felt privilege' Nii has hit the ground running initiating exciting partnership talks to enhance and expand our support for emerging writers. Image credit: Josimar Senior Read More Comedy Showcase tomorrow! Kick Back and Laugh 😹   Don’t miss Cultureword’s first Comedy Showcase, taking place tomorrow as part of Dare to Create Festival in Oldham 🎭 Expect comedic poetry, Dad jokes that deliver and cutting social commentary that’ll make you giggle. Hosted by poet and stand-up comedian Anthony Briscoe and our lovely Ella! ⌚7pm 📍Mill 2, 1853 Studios, Osborne Mill, Waddington St, Oldham OL9 6QQ Tickets are free via Eventbrite Click to Book 2 days left to submit... Capturing Desi Nostalgia 💭 New South Asian diaspora magazine Samajh My Gal is partnering with Cultureword for their first issue Almost Ours! This issue explores how younger generations today often feel a strong sense of nostalgia for a time they never actually lived through, but know through stories, family memory, and cultural inheritance. Submissions are open until this Thursday 6th August for creative work by dual-heritage South Asians, including but not limited to: photography, essays, painting, poetry and short stories.  Find out more & submit Save the Date: Creatives Mixer 🤝🥂 Our first Autumn event will be a Creatives Mixer at SeeSaw in Manchester! 🍁✨ It's set to be a buzzing evening of connection and joy - plus an exclusive creative commissions announcement! Block your calendar for the evening of Friday 18th September and stay tuned to our socials for ticket release 👀🎟️   Identity Writers Group Update   Identity Writers Group & Advanced Novelist Sessions are on a Summer break, with sessions recommencing in late September:   ✒️ First session back for Identity in-person, Wednesday 23rd September, 6.30pm at Manchester Poetry Library ✒️ The Advanced Novelists Group will return on Wednesday 30th September. Workshop information: https://cultureword.org.uk/workshops/

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Harrogate Festivals: Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival 11-25 October 2026

Coming up in October: 

WHAT'S ON FESTIVALS JOIN & SUPPORT MY ACCOUNT Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival | 11 - 25 October We're excited to welcome Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival back to Harrogate this autumn, returning from 11–25 October 2026 for two weeks of inspiring conversations, unforgettable stories and exceptional literary events. This year's Festival welcomes an outstanding line-up of bestselling authors, broadcasters, literary icons and inspiring speakers to Harrogate. Among the first names announced are Kate Mosse, Dame Prue Leith, Julian Clary, Sophie Raworth, Sir Ben Okri, Heather Morris and Sir John Curtice, with many more exciting names still to be revealed. As Harrogate International Festivals celebrates its 60th anniversary, we can't wait to celebrate the power of stories in all their forms with you this October. Booking Information Friends of the Festival can book from 12pm tomorrow (Wednesday 5 August), with priority access to tickets. General sale opens on Wednesday 19 August. *Friends of the Festival will need to log into their Festival account to make an online booking. Please contact the Box Office on 01423 562303 for assistance with your booking. Want priority booking? Become a friend today! As a Friend of the Festival, you'll enjoy priority access to tickets for the Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival, giving you the best chance to book the events you don't want to miss before they go on general sale. Alongside early booking, you'll receive priority entry to unreserved events and exclusive offers from Festival partners. Most importantly, your support helps us bring world-class writers and unforgettable literary experiences to Harrogate year after year. Join today by visiting our website or calling the Box Office on 01423 562 303. Join as a Friend Today "One of the UK's best Literary Festivals" - Harper's Bazaar TITLE SPONSOR Follow us online and keep up to date with everything #RaworthsLitFest

Harrogate International Festivals. Registered Charity No.244861 32 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1DB.