Wednesday 30th January 2008
(ref:
WLCT 06/2008)
Literature lovers of all ages from Atherton and Tyldesley will be enthralled by mysterious tales and historical adventures in February.
Atherton and Tyldesley libraries are all set to host a mini literature festival from Monday 11th to Saturday 16th February featuring star names such as revered author of Victorian set novels Anne Perry and celebrated crime writer Margaret Murphy.
The festival, organised by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, will explore the themes of ‘Mystery and History’ through events such as author visits, historical talks, children’s arts activities and even storytelling for families.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Reader in Residence Stephen Lythgoe said:
“We are thrilled to have attracted the talents of Anne Perry (pictured) and Margaret Murphy to our festival – I am sure they will be hugely popular with local readers. We are also delighted that the festival will feature the local talents of Leigh and Atherton Writers.
“We have organised a variety of different events to excite all ages. For history buffs we have a historical tour of Tyldesley and a chance to share memories of old Atherton. In contrast we have activities to attract young people such as storytelling, games and art events. There really is something for everyone – we want people to come along, relax and dip their toes into a bit of fictional fun within the welcoming setting of our libraries.”
Headlining the festival is prolific author of 50 novels Anne Perry – also known as ‘The Mistress of Victorian Mystery’. Anne’s famed crime stories are predominantly set in the Victorian era and more recently during the First World War.
Anne said: “I am very much looking forward to coming to Tyldesley as it’s always a pleasure meeting new people. I have heard that people across the Wigan Borough are gaining an increasing appetite for literature which is really pleasing. My talk with cover much of my work and the characters I have developed. I will also discuss constructing the elements of a story and how to refine it..
Anne appears at Tyldesley Library on Tuesday 12th February at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £5 and refreshments are included. Anne’s latest novel ‘Buckingham Palace Gardens’ featuring Thomas and Charlotte Pitt is published on Thursday 3rd April.
For fans of more modern thrillers, Margaret Murphy author of ‘The Dispossessed’ and ‘Now You See Me’, will provide an insight into modern day crime writing and real life detective work during her illustrated talk, ‘The Crime Scene Uncovered’. Margaret appears at Atherton Library on Thursday 14th February at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £5 and include refreshments.
The timetable of events is as follows:
- Monday 11th Feb ‘Owd Bent’ – Trevor Lucas presents a slide show of old Atherton Atherton Library at 10.30am Tickets: £2
- Tuesday 12th Feb ‘An Evening with Anne Perry’ Tyldelsey Library at 7.30pm Tickets: £5
- ‘Children’s Art’ at Tyldesley Library Tickets: £1
- Wednesday 13th Feb ‘Leigh and Atherton Writers: Showcase’ – prose, poetry and surprises
- Atherton Library at 7.30pm Tickets: £2
‘Children’s Art’ at Atherton Library Tickets: £1
- Thursday 14th Feb ‘An Evening with Margaret Murphy’ Atherton Library at 7.30pm Tickets: £5
- Fran O’Boyle’s Book at Bedtime’ - storytelling for children aged 6 plus
Tyldesley Library – 6pm to 8pm Free
- Friday 15th Feb ‘Tyldesley History Walk’ by Tony Ashcroft Starts at Tyldesley Library at 2pm Free
- ‘Fran O’Boyle’s Book at Bedtime’ - storytelling for children aged 6 plus
Atherton Library – 6pm to 8pm Free
- Saturday 16th Feb ‘Games Console Competition’ – for ages 7 to 16
Atherton and Tyldesley 10am Free – prizes to be won
For details of any of the events during the festival call Tyldelsley Library on 01942 404738 or Atherton Library on 01942 404817.
