Writer Jan Etherington Honors Late Husband at INK Festival

Etherington to curate production of joint creation 'Conversations from a Long Marriage' at 10th anniversary celebration

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:36am

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An extreme close-up of shimmering, high-contrast sequins and velvet textures, conceptually representing the glamour and emotional resonance of the INK Festival's 10th anniversary celebration.The vibrant weekend celebration of the INK Festival's 10th anniversary will bring creative energy and a poignant tribute to a celebrated writer's late husband.Suffolk Today

Celebrated writer and radio comedy author Jan Etherington is set to pay tribute to her late husband, Gavin Petrie, at the 10th anniversary of the INK Festival in Suffolk. Etherington will curate a production of their joint creation, 'Conversations from a Long Marriage,' as part of the festival's lineup showcasing new plays and art.

Why it matters

Etherington's decision to commemorate her husband's life and their creative partnership through the INK Festival highlights the therapeutic potential of artistic expression in processing grief. The festival's ability to bring together a diverse range of artists and performers also emphasizes the power of community and shared experiences in supporting those navigating loss.

The details

The INK Festival, known for celebrating new plays and art, will feature Etherington's curation of 'Conversations from a Long Marriage,' a work she co-created with her late husband Gavin Petrie, a renowned cartoonist and artist. Petrie's artwork will also be featured in an art exhibition, with proceeds going to support the Halesworth Dementia Carers Fund and the Pear Tree Fund.

  • The INK Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026.
  • Etherington is set to honor her late husband Gavin Petrie at the festival.

The players

Jan Etherington

A celebrated writer and radio comedy author who is honoring her late husband, Gavin Petrie, at the INK Festival.

Gavin Petrie

Etherington's late husband, a renowned cartoonist and artist whose work will be featured at the festival.

INK Festival

A festival in Suffolk, UK that showcases new plays and art, and is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026.

Richard Curtis

A renowned filmmaker and writer who is set to participate in the INK Festival.

Esther Freud

A celebrated author who is also set to participate in the INK Festival.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Suffolk, especially with the way the county has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

The takeaway

Etherington's involvement in the INK Festival serves as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of creative partnerships and the therapeutic potential of artistic expression in navigating grief. The festival's ability to bring together diverse voices and provide a platform for both established and emerging talent further emphasizes the arts' capacity to unite and inspire, even in the face of personal tragedy.