Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival appoints new artistic director

The next event is in the spring

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival has announced the appointment of Kate Abbey as its new artistic director.
 
Kate, who has an extensive background in arts leadership and literature, steps into the role with a vision of further enhancing the festival’s reputation as one of the region's leading literary events.
 
She has worked as a literature festival programmer since 2016 with her most recent role being head of programming and creative content at Bath Festivals where she oversaw the artistic direction of the Bath Festival and the Bath Children's Literature Festival. 
 
In November 2023, Kate and two ex-festival colleagues set up Bath Arts Collective (BAC), a community interest company that drives, develops and contributes to a varied and vibrant arts and culture scene across Bath and further afield. 
 
Kate takes on the role from Annie Ashworth, who has directed the programming of the Budleigh festival for the last seven years. Annie will continue to direct Stratford Literary Festival, which she founded in 2008.
 
Kate says: "I've lived and breathed book festivals for close to a decade now and seen the power and joy that comes with connecting through writing and conversations. I'm delighted to take on this role and continue Annie Ashworth's brilliant work as well as getting to collaborate with the festival’s president Cathy Rentzenbrink and the whole Budleigh team.
 
“I hope to showcase amazing, established and new writers, amplify underrepresented voices, support local creatives and ensure inclusive experiences for the whole community."
 
Festival chair Sue Briggs said: “We’re delighted to welcome Kate Abbey as our new artistic director. She brings with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for literature, having demonstrated remarkable vision and leadership in her previous roles.
 
“We are excited about the ideas and perspectives she will bring to our festival as we continue to build on the wonderful work of our former artistic director Annie Ashworth and grow and strengthen our position as one of the region’s most popular literary events.
“With Kate at the helm, we are confident that the festival will continue to flourish, offering inspiring and inclusive programming that engages readers and writers alike. We look forward to the exciting journey ahead under her direction."
 
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival is now an annual highlight for book lovers in the region and beyond. It recently welcomed authors including Jonathan Dimbleby, Sarah Rainsford, Carol Klein, Rick Stein to its five-day festival this September.
 
Its next event is its Spring Weekend on March 7 and 8, with the main festival taking place from September 17-21, 2025.