States took place this year on the 28thMarch 2026
On Saturday 28th March, we hosted our annual ‘Book Festival In a Day’.
Our theme this year was ‘Back to the Book Stalls’ with a returning emphasis on promoting the hard work of independent publishers, creators, and communities from the region and beyond!
Carol Leeming MBE DUniv FRSA delivered the festival’s keynote. Carol is a poet, playwright, director, curator, musician, composer, digital / visual artist, and Leicester legend! You can watch her talk in full here:
Our BA Creative Writing students launched and sold their publications. Find out more about the significance of States from one of our students.
Literary agent Oli Munson (A.M. Heath Literary Agents) ran 1-2-1s with local agents, and we had a vibrant Open Mic poetry reading, Children’s activities, a café; and bookstalls galore!
Keep a look out for next year’s event.
Your States of Indie team: statesofindie@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/dmu_writers