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headline Swindon Festival of Literature 17 www.facswindon.co.uk
Following last May’s phenomenal festival, plans are now well underway for the seventeenth Swindon
Festival of Literature, from 3 to 15 May. BLAYLOCKS
BLAYLOCKS
Authors and speakers at ven- a very good time. They get togeth-
ues across town will include es- er, meet authors, join in lively talk,
tablished names from the world of explore new ideas, and even have SHOE
literature, politics, science, sport, a laugh. It is all very exciting.”
entertainment and television. It is heartening that all these SALE
Festival organisers have se- people see the value of a festival
cured a number of exciting book- of literature in Swindon. NOW
ings including barrister and former The full colour festival pro-
resident of 10 Downing Street gramme will be unveiled at mid- ON
Cherie Blair with her book Speak- day on Thursday 18 March at
ing for Myself, the fi rst woman Swindon’s prize-winning Central Reductions on all brands
Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy; Library. Many lines half price
and actor raconteur Maureen Lip- To go on the festival mailing
man with her autobiography Past-it list, or for further information, call Bath Road Corner
Notes. 771080 or mail: swindonlitfest@ Old Town
Brian Moore, one of English lowershawfarm.co.uk Tel: 534271
rugby’s most successful players, Photo: John Swannell
now sports commentator, author The now nationally-famous
and opera lover, will explore his Swindon Performance Poetry Slam
cultured side and perhaps tell a competition and the schools’ Youth Stratton Community Leisure Centre
tale or two from the front row. Slam will see participants work
Negotiations are also in prog- wonders with words.
ress with numerous other estab- Also on the agenda are a book- Ballroom, Latin &
lished authors and performers. ish weekend for children and fami-
The search is on for a Disney lies in Lydiard Park, a philosophi- Sequence Dancing
World author. cal new Think Slam event, the
Of course, in true Swindon Fes- oh-so-exciting Poems, Pints, & Thursday 7th January 2010
tival of Literature tradition, it is not Music evening, plus a wide range in the Stratton Suite
just the famous names that make of literary talks, discussions and
this festival a high spot on Wilt- readings at theatres, arts venues, Ra e / Tea, Co€ ee, biscuits
shire’s cultural calendar. libraries, schools, pubs, parks, Live Music
and even in an ex-cowshed. 2.00pm start
Festival director Matt Holland,
who has been working on the pro- £2.75 Members
gramme since last May, said, “the £3.75 Non Members
festival’s profi le and reputation
continue to grow.
“Each year it attracts new writ- Saturday 13th
ers, terrifi c speakers, and a larger
following. It has become a verita- February 2010
ble festival of ideas; at every level, All types of music from
it has become a fantastic celebra- Ballroom to Jazz & Modern
tion for Swindon of things well writ-
ten and things well said.” (60’s, 70’s, 80’s)
He added, “It offers experiences Doors open 7.00pm
Carol Ann Duffy that make life memorable. People Entertainment starts
Photo: Michael Woods of all ages and backgrounds have approx 8.15pm
The 2010 Swindon Festival of Literature is made possible by funding from Arts Council
England, South West, whose support represents recognition of the good things that
have been achieved in literature development in Swindon. Tel: (01793) 825525
Financial support is also provided by Dominic Winter Book Auctions; Swindon
Borough Council’s Culture Swindon & Artswords, and Adult and Families Learning www.strattonstmargaret.gov.uk
Project; Lower Shaw Farm; plus valuable support and assistance from First Great
Western, the National Union of Teachers, the Swindon Advertiser, Swindon Link Mag-
azine, Holland Handling Recycling, Acorn Press, Waterstone’s Bookshop, Friends of Grange Drive, Stratton St Margaret, Swindon SN3 4JY
the Festival, as well as a host of other local organisations and individuals.

21-52 January 10.indd 21 15/12/2009 12:41