Welcome! We are excited to be back for to the fourth edition of Africa Writes… and to introduce you to our new blog feature – watch this space for more festival news and interesting reads.

Last year we had an exciting summer weekend that included an audience with Ama Ata Aidoo and African sci fi that attracted over 1500 visitors. When we asked if you would attend again this year 100% of you said yes. You also gave us feedback on what you would like to see on the programme for 2015. We listened to your request for more interactive sessions and we have an exciting line up for you this year.  A conversation with Ben Okri, an evening discussing African Books To Inspire and a book fair are just a taste of what we have in store for you this July.

Aspiring African writers will have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with people in the industry and get all the information you need for getting your first piece or book published. And look out for love as one of our themes as we delve deeper into the African story inspired by the widely praised multi-lingual Valentine’s Day Anthology by Ankara Press. Established and emerging talent from the African continent and its diaspora will be present at Africa Writes, you should be too.

As usual most of the Africa Writes programme is free to attend and we also have a couple of ticketed events. Seats go quickly for these so we recommend that you sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear when tickets go on sale.

Make sure you follow us on our Facebook  and Twitter accounts [Hashtag: #AfricaWrites] to take part in competitions and live social media activities.

And of course look out for future blog posts!