A very successful conference

The International Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival was a roaring success . This was the 27th conference since the literary organisation was formed in 1968. The keynote speakers included Richard Franklin, Professor Mark Ford, Jackie Walker , Professor Roger Ebbatson and Dr Trish Ferguson.

The Academic Conference each weekday morning, was followed by an eclectic range of walks and excursions to Oxford, Wolfeton House, Lulworth Cover, Portland and Sherborne . The entertainment highlights included Tim Laycock & Friends featuring the New Hardy Players and their ‘magical’ and physical performance of The Trumpet Major set at Poxwell Manor by kind permission of Sarah Gregson and Kenneth Young . There were also performances by the Hardy Annuals and a moving concert ‘In Harmony with Hardy‘ beautifully executed by pianist and singer James Graham and curated by Dr Natalie Burton and the showing of a film of The Wellbeloved created by local film producers, Wessex Dramas Project.

Furthermore, writing workshops were facilitated by the Bard of Caer Dur, Dorchester, Rebecca Danicic and the Grand Bard, Peter Roe. A poetry workshop was delivered by Finn Horden and a creative writing workshop by Lucy Boyle Brown, inspired by Virginia Woolf's visit to the Hardys in July 1926, followed by `Tea with Mr Hardy' presented by The New Hardy Players. There was also an informative session regarding the Hardy archives at the Dorset History Centre led by Principal Archivist Claire Skinner.

The next major conference will be in 2028 to celebrate the centenary of Hardy’s death. There will be a prestigious range of events on offer throughout 2028 including a memorial service at Westminster Abbey with actor Anton Lesser. These events are inclusive for scholars and enthusiasts alike and if you aren't a member yet, please consider joining our vibrant community via The Thomas Hardy Society "Join Us" page on the website.

Chairman and Academic Director, Mark Damon Chutter, said "the international conference and festival was such a great success with delegates from Japan, USA , China and India and the feedback from our members and delegates was outstanding. I am proud and privileged to have led the society since 2022. My gratitude to our Secretary, Miranda Woodgate and to the Council of Management for organising such a wonderful conference. Come and join the society for walks, talks, tours, lectures, drama and musical performances and for everything Hardy.’"