Emma Lightfoot is one of the organisers of the inaugural Ipswich Book Festival, which takes place this autumn. With tickets to see headliner Larry Lamb on sale, Emma explains how the festival has come about
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Emma Lightfoot, I run Orwell lady river trips in Ipswich, and I am a Governor at Northgate High School. My background is in animal behaviour, so I also spend time researching the meaning of grief to pet owners.
When did you all first have the idea for a book festival for Ipswich and how has it developed from there?
In September last year, Andrew from Dial Lane Books in Ipswich set up a WhatsApp group entitled Ipswich Book Festival and added me. We had all been thinking that Ipswich deserved a book festival but hadn’t really said it out loud until that moment. We then met most weeks to discuss our thoughts and ideas, research, and plans. We arranged a launch event for April, which was well attended. We have found that everyone we have told has been excited or thought this is a great idea – so we know we are on the right lines.
What is your day job?
Orwell Lady is a passenger boat that runs from Ipswich Waterfront. My week varies but most days – particularly in the summer – is spent on office work, so accounts, private hire, writing copy and marketing. I spend one day a week in the library at Suffolk University reading, researching, and writing about pets. I also do some proof-reading and editing work for a local printing firm.
When did your love of books begin?
When I was a little girl, I was an avid reader. It was escapism, but I also enjoyed the challenge of finishing books and the joy of starting a new one. As I got older, I suspect I read less but returned to reading everyday over the last twenty years. I set up a book club in 2005 and loved hearing other people’s perspectives on the same book. My Mum and I have attended Felixstowe Book Festival for the last ten years and I find that event broadens my mind and teaches me something new. When Andrew opened Dial Lane Books, I also joined his book club which enabled me to engage with even more authors.
Who else is on the organising team?
Andrew Marsh (Dial Lane Books in Ipswich), Tony Felgate (Partner at Monthind Clean and DJ) and Cathy Frost (owner of Love One, St Peters Street, and local councillor for Ipswich).
And who are the patrons?
We are so lucky with our patrons; they have all been very popular when they have visited Ipswich. They are Ashley Hickson-Lovence (winner of the East Anglian Book of the Year 2024 Wild East), Frances Quinn, Matson Taylor, Thomas Taylor, and Eva Verde. The breadth of their work covers many genres and engages with many demographics.
Do you think Ipswich has been crying out for a festival like this?
There have been previous book festivals in Ipswich, and I have seen some interesting people – such as Simon Mayo and Jo Brand – over the years but nothing seemed to become a regular part of the events calendar. I think the time is now right for us to deliver something that celebrates all the creativity, culture, and communities of Ipswich. We know what people say about Ipswich, and we can push back with examples of good places and great people. Brighten the Corners brings amazing music artists to Ipswich, and this helps people see there is more to Ipswich than empty shops and football (I say that as someone who loves ITFC). All four of us share is a passion to bring another regular and well-loved event to the town where we live and work.
When and where is it all happening and what can people expect?
Ipswich Book Festival takes place over the weekend of 3-5 October. There will be a variety of events, across different venues and it is our goal to have something for everyone. We understand not everyone reads, so there will also be illustration workshops and for budding authors we will also be involved in delivering writing workshops and panel discussions with publishers. There will be satellite events at other times that will involved local schools and libraries with some fun pop-ups planned for Halloween and Christmas.
Will it be the first of many?
We know the first year is very important and exciting, and in some ways that is easy to deliver. But there must be a longevity and a legacy for Ipswich – we were recently talking about what we hope to achieve in our 5th year!
The inaugural Ipswich Book Festival takes place from October 3-5, 2025. Larry Lamb will be in conversation with Camilla Barnes – New Wolsey Theatre on Friday 3rd October at The Hold. Tickets are on sale now.
Featured image of the Ipswich Book Festival team (left to right): Tony Felgate, Cathy Frost, Andrew Marsh, Emma Lightfoot – by @WHATassociates
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