Celebrating Windrush Day
22 June 2021 is the fourth national Windrush Day, and 73 years since the SS Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex in 1948, carrying the first Caribbean migrants to the UK. They were invited to help re-build Britain after the Second World War. As a daughter of the Windrush Generation – those who […]
Winners of 2021 CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals announced
Poet and novelist Jason Reynolds secures first Carnegie Medal win for Look Both Ways (Knights Of) Author and illustrator Sydney Smith wins second Kate Greenaway Medal for Small in the City (Walker Books) Manjeet Mann’s debut novel Run Rebel (Penguin Random House Children’s) and Sharon King-Chai’s Starbird (Two Hoots) take home the Shadowers’ Choice Awards […]
BBC Three commissions adaptation of Akala’s bestseller ‘Natives’ from Immovable and Greenacre Films
The BBC has commissioned a new documentary series from BAFTA and MOBO award-winning hip-hop artist, bestselling author and social entrepreneur Akala, entitled Akala: Race, Class and Empire (w/t). Inspired by his bestselling book, Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire, the series will combine the story of Akala’s own personal journey of self-discovery […]
Cath Kidston launches brand new Moomin collaboration for summer 2021
Beloved British lifestyle brand Cath Kidston has partnered with Moomin Characters Ltd to launch a beautiful, nature inspired Moomin range for summer 2021, refreshing two of its most-loved archive prints – linen sprig and mushrooms – with bright, fun colours for an uplifting collaboration that celebrates love and looking after one another. The product range […]
Desmond Elliott Prize shortlist characterised by “invention, playfulness and above all, joy”
The National Centre for Writing has today announced the three titles shortlisted for the 2021 Desmond Elliott Prize. The Manningtree Witches by A. K. Blakemore, little scratch by Rebecca Watson and The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams are all in the running to win the £10,000 prize and be named the year’s best first novel […]
Berlin-based journalist Trish Lorenz wins $100,000 Nine Dots Prize
Berlin-based journalist Trish Lorenz has been announced as the winner of the 2021/2022 Nine Dots Prize, receiving US$100,000 and a book deal with Cambridge University Press for her ‘compelling and well-evidenced’ response to the question ‘What does it mean to be young in an ageing world?’ The Nine Dots Prize is a prize for a […]
Waltham Forest to host year-long celebration of Moomin creator Tove Jansson, opening June 2021 with exhibition and outdoor trail
Walthamstow Wetlands and the William Morris Gallery are pleased to announce a unique collaboration that will see them host a year-long celebration of the Finnish artist Tove Jansson (1914-2001), starting with an enchanting indoor exhibition and outdoor trail opening to the public in June 2021 at Walthamstow Wetlands. Known to many as the creator of […]
Representing Wales: Developing Writers of Colour: “Much needed intervention” to champion diverse voices within Wales’ literary culture launched by Literature Wales
New professional development programme addresses “historic lack of representation” to create a diverse writing culture that “flies the flag for Wales’ varied communities” Literature Wales, the national company for the development of literature, launches its first ever professional development programme for writers of colour today, Tuesday 27 April 2021. Developed to improve representation within the sector, […]
Matt Haig hires Riot for personal PR brief
International bestselling author Matt Haig has appointed Riot Communications to manage his personal PR. 2021 is a particularly exciting year for Haig. Hot on the heels of the success of The Midnight Library comes the eagerly anticipated The Comfort Book. Published by Canongate in July, it’s been described as a ‘collection of little islands of […]
Debuts from independent presses celebrated on Desmond Elliott Prize longlist 2021
The National Centre for Writing (NCW) has today announced the 10-strong longlist for the £10,000 Desmond Elliott Prize, which will be awarded to the most outstanding first novel of the past 12 months. The Prize – which is presented in the name of the late, acclaimed literary agent and publisher Desmond Elliott – has longlisted […]
