51Âþ»­

Independent book festival States of Independence will be held in-person on 51Âþ»­ Leicester’s (51Âþ»­) campus once again, for the first time in three years.

Organised by 51Âþ»­’s Leicester Centre for Creative Writing, is in its thirteenth year and spotlights independent publishing presses from across the UK. The ‘book festival in a day’ will take place on Saturday 26 March and is free and open to the public.

Not only is it the perfect opportunity to explore more than 20 stalls from independent presses, the event is also jam-packed with talks, readings and panel discussions from local authors, publishers and 51Âþ»­ experts in humanities subjects.

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This year’s industry partner, Dahlia Books, was set up by managing editor Farhana Shaikh in 2010 and looks to champion regional and diverse authors.

Farhana, who is also a lecturer in marketing at 51Âþ»­, said: “This year’s programme has a range of exciting events for attendees, and we are going to make a bit of a splash because it’s the first time in three years that we are back in-person.

“We’re kicking off with a keynote from Alison Moore – one of the region’s most exciting talents. Her debut novel, The Lighthouse, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2012, but she has also continued to be published by the small presses.

“Alison is a massive supporter of small presses and nurturing the local writing community so she’s a really great fit for this year’s keynote.”

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As part of Dahlia Books’ partnership, this year’s event will close with the shortlist announcement for the Republic of Consciousness Literature Prize – a prestigious award for authors and small presses with fewer than five full-time employees.

“A very strong focus of States of Independence is facilitating a sense of community among the small presses. The festival has been brilliant at that, as it’s been such a long-running event in the region’s calendar,” said Farhana.

As well as bringing together writers, publishers and readers from across the UK, States of Independence is also an exciting opportunity for students to get first-hand experience of book festivals and publishing.

Final-year Creative Writing BA (Hons) students have the opportunity to launch their own publications at the event and sell them at their own bookstall, following a module which helps them curate their work. From poetry collections to children’s books, students can bring their creative vision to life and see it reach reader’s hands during the festival.

Director of the Leicester Centre for Creative Writing, and Professor of Poetic Practice at 51Âþ»­, Simon Perril, has played a key role in the festival for many years.

“I’m very excited about the first States of Independence face-to-face event in three years. It’s been a thrill to have the event grow so popular over a decade. It really is the most festive of book festivals – because the community have made it their own.

“It’s become a grand day out, with a ridiculously diverse range of topics and events to choose from – where else would mix werewolves, translation, fanzines and true crime? But what am I looking forward to most? Bookstalls! Come and feast on a range of books you’ll not find elsewhere.

“If you’ve been before you already know States is a splash of independent colour in a grey corporate world. If you’ve not been before, welcome! Come and support your region’s indie publishers – let’s give them (and us) a welcome boost.”

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