DissCover Sunday (Day)
Venue: The Corn Hall
Sunday 3rd May at DissCover
Big Sky Writing
Celebrating East Anglian Nature Writing
We are extraordinarily blessed in this region having so many writers who focus on the natural world,
so we have given over the whole of our second day to a celebration of East Anglian nature writers
who invite you to slow down and notice the world around you, through a mix of talks and interviews.
Matt Gaw
10:00 – 11:00
Matt is an award-winning nature writer and editor, known for his
lyrical explorations of the natural world.
In conversation with Izzy Broom, he will be discussing his latest
book, In All Weathers, which examines seasons, resilience, and
finding meaning year-round through observation, storytelling, and
lived experience.
Matt will be book signing at 12:45.
Simon Barnes
11:30 – 12:30
Simon is an acclaimed writer and naturalist. He will be talking about
his new book How to Fly.
He will be sharing his findings on birds, bats, insects and human
flight, blending science, history and wonder. Join him for stories,
insight and inspiration about this latest book and his previous
publications in a talk not to be missed.
Simon will be book signing at
12:45.
James Canton
13:30 – 14:30
James will be sharing his experience of ‘rewilding’ a two-acre field
in Essex with AJ Deane.
In Renaturing:
Small Ways to Wild the World, he goes further – exploring how
anyone, from ambitious gardeners to window-box owners, can
restore biodiversity and bring nature back, one small space at a
time.
James will be book signing at 16:15.
Ian Collins
15:00 – 16:00
Join this award-winning biographer, discussing with Robert
Ashton his acclaimed biography Blythe Spirit – The Remarkable
Life of Ronald Blythe, a tender, portrait of the author of Akenfield.
Drawing on unprecedented access to letters, notes, friendship, he
unveils the private life of one of England’s beloved chroniclers of
rural life.
Ian will be book signing at 16:15.
Tor Falcon
17:00 – 18:00
Tor will be sharing her award-winning Sugar Beet Moon, a
captivating chronicle of chasing the moon across two years.
In her illustrated talk, she will explain how, through nightly drawings
and diary entries, she learned not only about luna cycles and how
to see and draw in the dark, but how the moon ultimately shows us
here, our place on Earth.
Tor will be book signing at 19:45.
Richard Mabey
18:30 – 19:30
Our festival closes with an evening with the father of modern nature
writing.
His luminous prose highlights our deep connections with the wild,
from forgotten urban corners to nightingale-haunted thickets. Join
this Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature as he discusses
with Terence Blacker memories of his remarkable career.
Richard
will be book signing at 19:45.
🎭 Friends of The Corn Hall Diss
Join as a Friend and enjoy exclusive discounts, priority booking,
and special offers. Your support helps us deliver performances,
exhibitions, workshops, and inclusive activities for all ages. Be part
of something special in Diss and beyond.
💛 Support Us
As a charity, we rely on donations to fund our community programmes
like Time With Friends Dementia Café, Start With Arts, Saturday Club,
and more. We receive no regular funding from the District Council or
Arts Council England, so every gift — big or small — helps us continue
thriving. Thank you for supporting The Corn Hall.
♿ Accessibility
We’re committed to making your visit comfortable. For access
seating, discounts, and companion tickets, contact our Box Office or
register via the Access Card Scheme. Advance booking is required for
wheelchair spaces.
Supported with funding from Diss Town Council
