From a master class by a multi-award winning playwright to a day of folk and verse…it could only mean one thing!
The full programme for Wigan and Leigh’s annual literature festival is out and once again it’s promising an eclectic mix of events combining national and local literary luminaries for residents' delectation.
Highlights for this year’s ninth Words Literature Festival, which starts on Monday 9 April, include a masterclass with renowned playwright Jim Cartwright – author of “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice”.
Dinesh Allirajah will be showing people how to write humorous short fiction and for lovers of fantasy, author of “Necromancer’s Gambit and Empire of the Saviours” A J Dalton will be discussing current trends in fantasy literature and how he finally signed a global book deal after 25 years of trying.
Wigan based “Secret Writers Club” will be holding a day of poetry in the newly restored bandstand at Mesnes Park, a “networking” event will be held at Leigh’s Turnpike Centre for local writers to meet local and international publishers while Wigan’s Willpower Youth Theatre will perform a new show commemorating the lives of those lost with the sinking of the Titanic.
This year’s action packed programme has 31 events organised from Monday 9 April to Saturday 21 April.
Words co-ordinator Gillian Forrester said: “There are so many festival highlights this year but for me it’s wonderful that we have such a talented playwright and bestselling author as Sarah Waters coming to Wigan. The author of Tipping the Velvet, Little Stanger, Night Watch is one of the biggest literary stars to ever come to the festival.
“This is a really exciting programme of events and one, which we hope, appeals across the age spectrum.
“There are light-hearted and fun evenings, family days and some touching and tragic events.
“There’ll also be improvisation classes, evenings of sketches and monologues, poetry slam events and a song writing event.”
Words Literature Festival is organised by the Leigh and Wigan Words Together committee in association with Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust and supported by the Arts Council England's National Lottery funded Grants for the Arts scheme.
For a Words brochure visit your nearest library or leisure centre. For more information visit the Festival Fever webpages (external link).
