THE Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival, now in its fifth year, has been selected as a finalist in the regional Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026.

The festival, organised by Ali Pegrum, was nominated in the category for best arts, culture, and theatre against some stiff competition from across the Somerset, Dorset, and Bristol area.

Muddy Stilettos describes itself as ‘the urban guide to the countryside’ and encourages people to vote online for their favourites to win.

Voting is open until 1 pm on Tuesday, May 26.

An awards spokesperson said: “They are bigger and more important than ever.

“These are the UK’s most coveted awards for brilliant independent lifestyle businesses across England, Wales, and Scotland.

“When you vote in the finals, you are not just clicking a button, you are championing the businesses that give your area its buzz.

“You are helping them shine, grow, attract new customers, and also say ‘thank you’ in a really tough climate.

“A vote for your favourite local businesses means visibility, credibility, a big community thumbs-up.”

Ms Pegrum said: “To be in the ribbons, we now need lots of votes, the more the merrier please to help spread the word of the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival and encourage a love of reading across the South West.”

This year’s festival runs from Friday to Monday, November 13 to 16, and will feature a special talk by Celia Brayfield, whose book ‘Writing Black Beauty’ looks in depth at the remarkable story of Anna Sewell, who wrote the classic ‘Black Beauty’, a novel which changed the world’s conscience as to how animals, and particularly horses, should be treated.

Celia will be chatting with author Emily Haworth-Booth about her award-winning debut novel ‘Mare’, a tender, funny and life-affirming love story between a woman and a horse.