Literary Festival to Honor Jane Austen

TEHRAN.(Iranart) - A literary festival aimed at commemorating the 200th death anniversary of Jane Austen, one of the most popular English novelists, is to take place in a Hampshire village next week. There will be authors, book launches, workshops, performances and a lot more at the Netley Literary Festival in Netley Abbey next week.

During the seven-day event residents will have the chance to find out more about the links between Austen’s life and Netley Abbey, Daily Echo reported. It is believed that the village inspired the 18th-century writer for her gothic satire novel ‘Northanger Abbey’.

During the event, residents will also have the chance to take a look at the Netley Abbey’s literary tradition and take part in a free guided walk to find out more about its links to famous detectives, lost poets, country churchyards and medieval monks.

The initiative has been organized by The Berry Theater based in Hedge-End in partnership with Eastleigh borough and Hound parish councils.

Matt Beames, festival director and artist-in-residence at The Berry Theatre, said: “The 200th anniversary of the death of Jane Austen is a fitting year to launch the Netley Literary Festival, which will explore the author’s work and links to the area. Netley and its abbey have a diverse literary heritage, and the Literary Festival is a perfect chance to explore it. As well as exploring Austen and the Gothic tradition, the festival will also highlight some of the more modern literary links to Netley and the local area.” A book festival set to take place at St. Edwards Church Hall in Netley Abbey on October 22 will be the last of the series of activities planned for the week.