Frankenstein author’s birthday to be celebrated in Bournemouth

People are invited to celebrate the 227^th birthday of Mary Shelley, the legendary author of Frankenstein, at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth.

The Bournemouth Writing Festival, in collaboration with the Shelley Trust, is hosting a special evening of performances and discussions just yards away from Mary’s grave.

Two specially commissioned performances from Dr Kevan Manwaring and Christy Fearn and Greg Gwyther bring Mary Shelley’s life and works to life, followed by a Q&A session hosted by Shelley Trust founder Katherine Edgar, exploring the fascinating world of this pioneering author.

Mary Shelley, buried alongside her parents and the heart of her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley in Bournemouth’s central Grade 1 listed church, provides an evocative backdrop for this literary celebration.

Dominic Wong, director of the Bournemouth Writing Festival, said: “Mary Shelley and her family are not just icons of literature; they are a cornerstone of Bournemouth’s rich cultural heritage. We are delighted to collaborate with the Shelley Trust to honour her enduring legacy whilst inspiring writers to write.”

Katherine Edgar, founder of the Shelley Trust, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Bournemouth Writing Festival to continually honour Mary Shelley’s profound legacy. The Shelley’s connection to Bournemouth is deeply significant and we are excited to celebrate her contributions to literature, the local area and her influence on the world.”