Walsall College’s inaugural LitFest celebrates the power of storytelling

Walsall College declared their first-ever event showcasing literacy skills and the literary arts a resounding success.
LitFest saw the college’s students and staff come together with local artists, including members of Walsall Writer’s Circle to celebrate the power of storytelling.
A group of industry guest experts each took part in talks, readings and workshops where they shared their career journeys as well as creative writing, illustrating and publishing insights. They also showed students how to spark their creativity in fun, simple ways.
These literary VIPs were:
- Dreadlock Alien (former Poet Laureate for Birmingham)
- Yelitza Smith – Children’s Author
- Cheryl Book – Children’s Author
- Tanya Bullock – Author
- Alison R Reed – Author
- Rebecca Tonks – lllustrator
Lecturers also hosted stalls where they encouraged students to test their literary knowledge, enter competitions and enjoy other interactive literature-based activities.
Gemma Anderson-Thomas, GCSE English Coordinator and Coach said: “This was an incredible event thanks to our inspiring guest speakers, brilliant stallholders, and, of course, our enthusiastic students.
“Literary arts and events like these serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, exploring social and cultural topics, and showcasing new and diverse voices. In doing so, they highlight how becoming a lifelong reader, learner and supporter of the literary arts benefits our intellectual, social and emotional wellbeing.”
The college plans to host LitFest once again in 2026.