On the eve of the Lincoln Book Festival, LoveLincoln.co.uk catches up with Artistic Director Sara Bullimore.

Q. Sara, it’s lovely to meet you. How did the Lincoln Book Festival first come about?

A: The book festival started back in 2003. It was originally two smaller festivals, but in 2004 we decided to merge the two to create one bigger and better festival. Since then the festival has grown year on year, attracting more authors, partners and venues.

Q: How did you get involved in the festival?

A: I have been working on the festival from the beginning really. I originally became involved through my position as Arts Officer at Lincoln City Council in 2004.

Q: How has the festival grown over the years?

A: Quite a lot. We’ve reached a format we’re happy with and which works well. We decided to condense the festival down to five days but ensure that the days are jam-packed with events to create a real festival feel. We also have lots of fringe events going on around the festival as well.

The outreach and education work we do as part of the festival has also grown over the years and become increasingly important as it enables us to engage with lots of schools and highlight the benefits of reading. Another factor which has played a big part in the development of the festival is the increasing number of venues and partners who are involved.

Q: Which authors have you been especially excited by?

A: This year I am thrilled to be welcoming Simon Callow. This is such a big triumph for Lincoln! He doesn’t often appear at many literary festivals as he is such a busy man, so the fact that he will be taking time out of his schedule to come to Lincoln is fantastic.

I was also thrilled hear that Jodi Picoult would be involved in this year’s festival. She is an excellent speaker and one of my favourite authors.

Q: Are there any books which make particular reference to Lincoln?

A: There are loads! Apart from the obvious authors such as Tennyson, many authors over the years have spoken about Lincoln, or based their books in and around the city. One that springs to mind is Bill Bryson in ‘Notes from a Small Island’ but there are lots more!

Q: You mentioned Jodi Picoult as being one of your favourite writers? Who else do you admire?

A: This is a difficult question which I get asked all the time and the truth is I don’t have one favourite. I have such an eclectic taste…ranging from plays and travel books to authors such as William Trevor (Fools of Fortune) and Charlaine Harris (Southern Vampire series). I also love Jodi Picoult as I mentioned earlier. However to pinpoint one favourite author above anyone else is too difficult!

Q: Finally Sara where is your favourite part of Lincoln?

A: I love being in the Bailgate, when its dark just before the shops shut, with the cathedral lit up. It’s beautiful!