ONE Stratton pupil received a special surprise as one of the country’s best-selling authors sent her a letter.

Ahead of Bude Literary Festival, Stratton pupil, Grace Snowsill wrote to her favourite author, Sir Michael Morpurgo to implore him to come to this year’s festival. Each year, the event welcomes some of the country’s most loved writers, poets and creatives to the North Cornwall coast for five days of literary celebration.

With excitement building, Grace sent a handwritten letter to the much-loved writer.

“When I first read one of your books (aged eight) I thought it was the next best thing to an unlimited supply of sweets!” wrote Grace. “Now I am older (11) and wiser, I realise your books are even better than sweets.”

Grace, who describes herself as Michael’s biggest fan, took the opportunity to ask the author a number of question in her letter, but most importantly “would you pretty please with a cherry on top come and visit me in Bude?

“My friends and I, especially me, would love to meet you and hear you talk. If you come, we will be as happy as Larry,” she added.

Having signed, sealed and delivered the letter, Grace was delighted to receive a response from her favourite author, who said while he can’t come to Bude this year, he would try his best to come next year.

With the excitement growing for a potential visit from Michael Morpurgo among Grace and her friends, thankfully the young readers will have a chance to see some brilliant authors, comedians and musicians at this year’s event.

Taking place from May 13 until May 17, residents are lining up as tickets to all 89 literary events go on sale. Organisers are hoping to mimc the success of 2025’s event which saw more than 2,000 tickets sold and many events almost sold out. Audiences are excited to see authors, comedians and musicians such as Janet Street Porter, Patrick Gale, The Unthanks, Nigel Planer, Adele Parks, Mark Steel, John Crace, Cara Hunter, Harry Baker, Tom Hickox, Louise Candlish, Jo Caulfield and Martin Dorey make an appearance in the coastal town as part of this year’s literary festival.

Alongside plenty of ticketed events, the festival will also be supporting local students, providing 30 free author workshops for the town’s young people.

A spokesperson from Bude Lit Fest said: “Thanks to support from Bude-Stratton Town Coucil, The Blanchminster Trust and local businesses, there are 30 free author workshops taking place in our local schools. Children from Bude Primary have been working with local writer Poppy Wonnacott and creating poems around the theme ‘My Home Town’ which will be performed at the first festival event – a Family Literary Quiz at 6pm on Tuesday, May 12, at The Falcon.

“Meanwhile children from Stratton Primary School are creating a Character Treasure Hunt for Sunday, May 17, when book characters will be hidden around Ebbingford Manor for families to find and win a prize.”