Like many people my age, rather than picking up a book, I’d be far more likely to listen to a podcast or even watch a YouTube video. Although some may believe that literature has died out amongst young people, I'd argue it’s more rather shifted and evolved into a different form within the digital age. Cheltenham Literature Festival is recognising this movement, by providing talks all throughout this week that focus on the youthful side of literature. Here’s a look back at some of the most influential events so far at the festival for the younger generation.
Image via @cheltfestivals on Instagram
'Life Lessons for your younger selves'
This talk, chaired by Sam Baker, focused on speaking to those who have had success in their lives (sports stars, nobel prize winning scientists etc.) to inspire and motivate those at the beginning of their careers. Not only was it great to hear stories of success, but also stories of those who started at the bottom and made their way to the top.
Image via @theothersambaker on Instagram
'Tomorrow Sex will be good again: Love and Dating in the 21st Century'
Arguably, one of the biggest movements we’ve seen from the younger generation is our approach and newfound openness towards taboo topics. The rise of dating apps and the affect this has had on our approach to dating, and the stigma of women and sex was covered by this insightful talk between sex educator Sophia Smith Galer, sex guru Oloni and academic Katherine Angel.
Image via @sophiasgaler on Instagram
'Brave New You: Emile Pine and Abigail Bergstrom'
Another event covering taboo topics was ‘Brave New You’. After Emile Pine’s essay collection focusing on life as a 21st century women, covering everything from addiction to infertility and Abigail Bergstrom’s debut novel ‘What a Shame’, the two joined Sam Baker as they discussed finding your place in the world. This chat was particularly interesting for young women who are paving their way in the modern world.
Image via @cheltfestivals on Instagram
'The Future of Professions Revisited: Richard and Daniel Susskind'
Since Covid and the ever growing digital age, there’s no doubt that professions and our approach to work is changing before our eyes. Richard and David Susskind shared their views at their talk at the festival, into how they feel the working world is going to evolve and the differences young people may experience throughout the years to come.
Image via Kate Murdoch
'Gender: Beyond the Binary'
Writer and performer, Travis Alabanza spoke on their experiences with gender, being a non binary person in today’s society, alongside Kit Heyman who spoke on the history of gender across the globe. This event was great for those interested in how the younger generation is changing their approach to topics like gender.
Image via @travisalabanza on Instagram
So far we have had a great, diverse range of events for young people at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, and we can’t wait for what more is to come.
Kiera Neal
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