Escape 2022

Our little festival with big ideas will now take place from 12 October 2022, and will include a readers and writers weekend, schools festival and live performances as part of an expanded 2022 Escape programme.

We realise the date change is probably expected, but it has still been a difficult decision. Given the ongoing uncertainty around how long the red light setting will remain in place within the Government’s COVID Protection Framework, and the direction of the current Omicron outbreak, we must prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all involved. We need to look after our artists, staff, sponsors, suppliers, venue partners and, of course, our audiences. While we sincerely hope that the worst of the current Omicron wave will be over by our initial Escape date in June, the major commitments needed to be made by us now in order to produce the Festival means it would be irresponsible to proceed in June while the landscape is still so uncertain.

We also want to be sure that as many people as possible will get the chance to experience the wisdom and brilliance of the superb writers, thinkers and performers in the 2022 programme.

The line-up for Escape will be announced 4 August. Until then, be safe, be kind, be well…and well-read.

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
- Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery