Comments

“For me, Port Eliot is like the best of parties - old friends and new friends, stimulating debates and ideas, great food and beautiful surroundings. It gets better every year and is a firm fixture in my diary.”
Rosie Boycott, author, journalist and broadcaster

“I have been an enthusiastic attendee of the Port Eliot Festival since its inaugural year in 2003. I’ve watched it grow from a gathering of a few hundred authors and journalists in pac-a-macs to a glittering, magical arts shindig playing host to about 5000 happy punters. I’ve never known anyone to come back from Port Eliot and not be charmed and desperate to return. It still feels small, even though authors and other artists can be sure of hundreds and hundreds of discerning audience members at their shows. 2010 was my favourite year yet. My performance on The Bowling Green was probably my favourite ever (in over 11 years of performing, 1000+ gigs). Can’t wait for next year.”
Luke Wright, poet

“This year’s festival was the best yet. Port Eliot never fails to amaze, amuse, entertain and excite. I love it.”

Mick Brown, author and journalist

“Thank you for inviting us to your wonderful event – what a beautiful setting and such a unique event, so unlike any other of the normal festivals we have done. The perfect balance of planning and ideas with random surprises.”
David Taylor, British Sea Power manager

“I thought Port Eliot the most delightful Lit Fest I have ever been to, including Hay in its early halcyon days, and also the best organised.”
Ferdinand Mount, author

“A true feast for both the intellect and the senses.”
Tom Hodgkinson, editor of The Idler magazine

“You have worked so hard and created something with real heart and soul so many thanks for inviting us to join in and be a part of the Port Eliot magic. You can read about it on the Dovegreyreader blog – I’m sure we missed so much but what we saw we loved.”
Lynne Hatwell (Dovegreyreader)

“It’s unlike any other literary event you’ve ever been to. Merry go rounds and swimming in the estuary and moonwatching and singing doctors and fireworks (in daylight, quite oddly, but effective nonetheless) and girls dressed up in space age foil dresses designed by Barbara Hulanicki and Luella Bartley.”

Justine Picardie

“The highlight for me was the children’s bird painting competition – all the entries where amazing and judging it was one of the hardest things I have ever done, especially with half the entrants spying and eavesdropping on us during the decision making. It was also great to meet people and hear their weird bird facts and stories; apparently you can walk straight up to a kingfisher at night and stroke him and he won’t be bothered…”
Matt Sewell, illustrator

“Chris Watson’s Nature Disco into King Creosote followed by 4 bellinis at Caught By The River Port Eliot tent – festival highlights of the decade for me.”
Robin Turner

“Thank you for creating such a unique festival at Port Eliot. I took my two teenage daughters, who were inspired by all that was happening – and as a parent, it felt safe. We all loved Murray Lachlan Young (a mesmerising performance), Found in Translation (unique, risqué, and a true demonstration of how exciting poetry can be when spoken aloud), and the Wild Swimming (a great idea totally in keeping with the festival). So much to see and such diversity – so good to have this magical event in the South West.”
Wendy Jarvis

“This was one of the most magical festivals I have ever been to. So many memorable experiences wrapped up in one neat poetical package.”

Esther Raphael, producer, London

“We had a very successful and enjoyable day on Saturday. The money raised will help greatly in the funding of the branch in the coming year. The festival visitors all seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their weekend with some wonderful outfits. The Barbara Hulanicki creations were spectacular, I wish I had kept my old ones. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of the festival. I expect Roo will be glad to have his garden back!”
Trish Jordan, President, St Germans Women’s Institute

“Thank you for One Minute Discos, daylight fireworks, Dominic West (a long way from Grindleford), ukeleles – far from Dulwich, cautionary tales to stop the kids misbehaving, magical fairies and Magic Numbers. We’re glowing!”
Lizzie Meadows, Facebook

“Thanks for another fantastic festival – the highlight of our year.”
Fiona Beckman, Facebook

“I really enjoyed my first Port Eliot Festival. What a lovely atmosphere!”
Rob Barratt, Facebook

“Thanks for a fantastic weekend, my family and I really enjoyed it. The children haven’t stopped talking about all the things they did and saw. Can’t wait till next year!”
Tara Hillson, Facebook

“Thanks to everyone at Port Eliot. We had the best time ever! Too many things to mention them all. A real melting pot of creativity and loads of friendly people.”
Sue Read, Facebook