Event

Place and time

Description of event

Monday

2 March

Discussing Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale.'  RHUL Shakespeare Society The Literary Institute Hall 3-4.30

Join Royal Holloway's Shakespeare Society as they present an academic discussion on Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, one of Shakespeare's most complex plays. The Shakespeare Society is currently developing a new production of The Winter's Tale through a feminist lens. This event will feature a short performance from that production, along with a guided conversation exploring the play, and will be presented by some of the actors and crew members from the show. 

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Tuesday 3 March

  How to Write Poetry Anywhere, Any Time      Workshop with Adam Gary

The Literary Institute  The Stage Room   10.30-12

This is one of the Surrey Poet Laureateship’s most loved workshops, designed to help you break free from the blank page and start writing in real life, in those quiet moments between everything else. You’ll learn how to: Capture ideas on the move  Turn everyday moments into poems Write without waiting for “the right time” or “the right place Build a sustainable, pressure-free writing habit

Whether you’re new to poetry or looking to reignite your practice, this fast-paced, encouraging session will leave you writing more freely, more often, and with more confidence.

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‘Something wicked this way comes’: Sylvia Plath’s and Taylor  Swift’s Reinvention of the Witch           Talk by Dr Dorka Tamas RHUL

The Literary Institute      Classroom   2-3pm

This talk explores the reinvention of the witch figure in modern and contemporary literature and culture by considering two female artists, the American poet Sylvia Plath and the popstar songwriter Taylor Swift. Historically, the witch has been a misogynistic label often applied to a woman who breaks gender and social norms, marking her a scapegoat and outcast. In the twentieth century, the witch became a symbol of resistance and an embodiment of rebellion for women in their struggle for equal rights in a patriarchal society. For women writers of the modern era, witches are complex, diverse, and ambiguous. Both Sylvia Plath and Taylor Swift have reinvented, embodied, and explored the witch persona. Their works, including poems, lyrics, and stage performances, reference the witch trials and employ ritualistic imagery like rebirth and the burning witch. 

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  Poetry Hub  This is a weekly event throughout the year

The Literary Institute  The Stage Room 6-8

Poetry Hubs are welcoming and inclusive spaces designed to foster a love for poetry across Surrey. You don’t need any prior knowledge of poetry, just an openness to explore and experience something new! At our hubs, you can expect a variety of activities, including workshops, discussions, and open mic opportunities, allowing participants to read their own poetry or simply enjoy the works of others. Whether you're looking to refine your writing skills, find inspiration, or make new friends, our hubs offer the perfect setting.

Join us in celebrating the power of words, building community, and inspiring creativity, one poem at a time!

Wednesday

4  March

Storytime     Egham Library 10.30 - 11.30  

Suitable for children 5 years and under, free event, no booking required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Regular library event.

3 Talks from Royal Holloway Strode’s College 12 – 1.30

At Home in the Southern Gothic

Katie McGettigan, Associate Professor of American Literature

This taster talk will introduce you to the genre of the Southern Gothic, and ask why this region of the US has its own particular demons. We’ll then use this knowledge to think about the ways in which Stella and Blanche’s ancestral home of Belle Reve haunts Tennessee William’s A Streetcar Named Desire.

Creative Writing Workshop

Dr  James Wilkes.

Get a taste of a university-level creative writing workshop in this session led by lecturer James Wilkes. Try your hand at some creative exercises to kick-start your own writing in prose or poetry. No previous experience required! 

Truth is Trickiest: Introducing Old English Riddles

Dr Jennifer Neville

People don't expect quirky humour from the early Middle Ages, but that's because they don't know about the Old English Riddles of the Exeter Book! Dr Jennifer Neville will introduce you to this delightful collection of almost one hundred riddles, which, in addition to being beautiful poems, provide an entry point to the language, material culture, and world view of England in the tenth century.

https://bit.ly/ELFticket for free tickets . Admission by ticket only. Please watch safeguarding video before attending

Discussion topic: What do visitors to the Hope Hub like to read?   Easter Centre 12-2

A discussion about what books,people are reading, favourite characters, recommendations of what to read next.

TALKING SHOP WITH WRITERS: ELENA LAPPIN ON THE ART OF LITERARY PODCASTING    The Literary Institute    Classroom 2-3

Elena Lappin is a novelist and journalist, and the host and producer of SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS podcast, a monthly conversation with leading authors about the stories behind their books. 

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Afternoon Storytime      Egham Library 3.45 - 4.15

No booking required, free event suitable for children 4- 9 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wizard of OZ Storytime    Egham Library  6pm-7pm

An Additional Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Storytime with craft. Free event, suitable for ages 4 - 11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Book by emailing egham.library@surreycc.gov.uk

Thursday

5 March

Woodland Writer's Studio: Walnut Tree Gardens    Dr Briony Hughes    Walnut Tree Gardens 11-12.30

Join ecopoet and lecturer Dr Briony Hughes on a creative visit to Egham's Walnut Tree Gardens. This guided nature walk and writing workshop invites you to connect with and celebrate a local park though the mediums of writing and art. We will engage in unique and hands-on writing exercises whilst paying close attention to the textures of plant species, the rhythms of birdsong, and the movements of invertebrates. 

The workshop is suitable for both experienced writers and complete beginners. By the end of the session, you’ll have discovered new ways to connect with the natural world, experimented with different approaches to writing, and drafted a series of original ecopoems. 

Wear comfortable shoes. If you need to sit, bring something with you. If you want to write, bring your own tools. There will be some cover but if the weather is very bad this event may be cancelled.

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Friday

6 March

‘Creative Fieldwork’ School Visit  Dr Briony Hughes    Manorcroft Primary School (not open to the public)

Join ecopoet and lecturer Dr Briony Hughes on a creative journey to explore wildlife as a source of creativity through literacy

Reading to playgroup   Strode’s students    Easter Centre 10.30

Students from Strode’s will pay a visit to Playtime at the Easter Centre to tell the children a story.

Saturday

7 March

Wizard of OZ Storytime   Egham Library  2-3 pm

Free event, suitable for ages 4 - 11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Book by emailing egham.library@surreycc.gov.uk

Tuesday

10 March

   Where There’s a Will, There’s a Poem    Workshop by Adam Gary      The Literary Institute    The Stage Room 10.30-12

 A practical, empowering masterclass focused on writing even when you don’t feel inspired. If you’ve ever wanted to write but felt blank, tired, or blocked, this session will give you the tools to push past the stall and get words on the page.

Through structured exercises and proven techniques, you’ll learn how to: Write without waiting for motivation   Override the inner critic and perfectionism  Generate poems through action, not feeling    Turn resistance into creative fuel    Build discipline without killing joy

Direct. Liberating. Surprisingly freeing.

Perfect for poets at any stage who want to keep writing, no matter what.

https://bit.ly/ELFticket for free tickets

  Poetry Hub  This is a weekly event throughout the year

The Literary Institute  The Stage Room 6-8

Poetry Hubs are welcoming and inclusive spaces designed to foster a love for poetry across Surrey. You don’t need any prior knowledge of poetry, just an openness to explore and experience something new! At our hubs, you can expect a variety of activities, including workshops, discussions, and open mic opportunities, allowing participants to read their own poetry or simply enjoy the works of others. Whether you're looking to refine your writing skills, find inspiration, or make new friends, our hubs offer the perfect setting.

Join us in celebrating the power of words, building community, and inspiring creativity, one poem at a time!

Wednesday

11 March

Book Trust Storytime   Egham Library    10.30 - 11.30

Suitable for children 5 years and under, free event, no booking required. We will be voting for our favourite Book Trust Story, free event, no booking required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Orbital Magazine: An Insight into Student Journalism   RHUL The Orbital editorial team   The Literary Institute    Classroom 12-2

The Orbital is Royal Holloway’s official award-winning student magazine, running since 1986. This event aims to share the impact of student journalism has on both the university a d the wider community, and how people from any background, with any interests, can get involved. We will also be hosting a writing session to get people thinking about the things that inspire them most.

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Symposium: How academic posters help structure research findings   Students from Strode’s  Strode’s College 2-6

Academic posters are  used to showcase independent research and analytical skills. It is a format valued by higher education and employers. Students will be able to explain their research and talk about the topic they chose for their poster. No public admission.

Afternoon Storytime    Egham Library 3.45 - 4.15

No booking required, free event suitable for children 4- 9 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Open Mic     Pride Hub Egham from 2.30

An Open Mic for poetry, spoken word, select readings … what ever moves you. Open mic slots available. DM @hubpride on Instagram if you’d like a space or email hello@pridehub.lgbt

Thursday

12 March

TBC

Friday

13 March

Reading to playgroup   Strode’s students    Easter Centre 10.30

Students from Strode’s will pay a visit to Playtime at the Easter Centre to tell the children a story.

Saturday

14 March

Fireblood with Sam Stewart: Create amazing stories and how to write your own. Egham Library 2pm-3pm

Dive into the world of Fireblood! Create maps, invent beasts, build your own story and meet author Sam Stewart in this epic kids' workshop.

Suitable for children 8yrs - 14 years

Tickets £3 per child which can be booked via Eventbrite Fireblood with Sam Stewart: Create Amazing Stories! Tickets, Sat 14 Mar 2026 at 14:00 | Eventbrite

Booking is essential so be quick to avoid disappointment

Books will be available to purchase on the day (cash only) which Sam will be happy to sign

The Art of Manifesting: A Meditative Drawing Practice to Rewire Your Brain and Create Your Reality  Anna Denning,

The Literary Institute Classroom 3pm-5pm

The Art of Manifesting Method™, created by Colette Baron-Reid and Anna Denning, harnesses the extraordinary power of intentional art to rewire your brain, break old patterns, and align your mind and intentions with the energy of the Universe. No special skills or tools required! Through the AM Method, manifesting can be as easy, peaceful, and joyful as drawing a circle and lots of flowy lines. All you need is a pen, paper, and your imagination to begin to co-create a life beyond your wildest dreams.

https://bit.ly/ELFticket for free tickets

Open Mic    Hosted by Adam Gary The Literary Institute  Hall 7-9

An Open Mic for poetry, spoken word, storytelling, performance …. Open mic slots of up to 10 minutes available. Email eghamtownteam2023@hotmail.com to book.

https://bit.ly/ELFticket for free tickets