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Festival of Literature was the best ever
Matt Holland, the director of the
Swindon Festival of Literature
C
says this year’s event in May
M
was the biggest, best and most
rewarding in its 20-year history.
Y
“We had more people, more
CM
sell-out events and greater audi-
MY ence and author satisfaction than
ever before,” said Matt. “From the
CY
moment the first slither of the
CMY
sun came up over Park South at
dawn on the first day, to the last
K Matt with Kate Humble. Image: Richard
lonesome wail of the watering Wintle www.calyxpix.com
can to signal the end at the Town
Hall, everything was almost perfect. people attended a lunchtime event
“The authors were even better than to hear an Oxford professor talk about
they were supposed to be, and the spelling.”
daily difficulties one can expect from Despite welcoming visitors from
organising more than 60 events over as far away as the USA and Ireland
two weeks turned into daily rewards.” and with thousands of loyal local
Although reluctant to pick favour- supporters, Matt is not keen for the
ites, Matt mentioned one or two festival to get much bigger. He said:
highlights. He said: “I was gobsmacked “My belief in an optimum size has
by Stella Rimington, even though I’m been reinforced, and I think we may
not into espionage. The humility and now have reached it.”
respect shown by Agnes Agboton Summing up, he said: “For two weeks,
at the International Poetry Evening men and women in Swindon talked,
entranced me, and PD James was so listened and explored ideas together.
delighted to be in Swindon she not They created a communion of words.
only gave a great talk, but also bought So many new thoughts were aired in
a Zimmer frame at the shop across the such an entertaining and informative
road from the Arts Centre. way that it was the best example we’ve
“And I was amazed that over 70 had of life-long learning.”

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20 swindonlink.com • July 2013

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