THE ASIA HOUSE FESTIVAL OF ASIAN LITERATURE
11 - 22 May 2009
The only Festival in the UK dedicated to writing about Asia, The Asia House Festival of Asian Literature celebrates the newest and best of writing across a broad spectrum of Asian countries in a series of talks, debates and discussions.
With over 25 authors covering ten Asian countries, The 2009 Asia House Festival of Asian Literature provides a unique, accessible way to interact with and understand these diverse cultures. The festival is sponsored by The Standard Chartered Private Bank and supported by The National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Contact: Asia House
63 New Cavendish Street
London
W1G 7LP
Tel: +44 (0)20 7307 5454
E-mail: enquiries@asiahouse.co.uk
Web links: www.asiahouse.org; http://www.asiahouse.org/net/SpecialEvents.aspx
BRIGHTON FESTIVAL
2 - 24 May 2009
Brighton Festival is a contemporary celebration of British and international performing arts, bringing and commissioning events to and for Brighton, many that cannot be seen elsewhere in the UK and reflecting the thriving creativity of its own artistic community.
Contact: Jane McMorrow (Festival Manager)
Festival Administration Office
12a Pavilion Buildings
Castle Square
Brighton
BN1 1EE
Tel: +44 (0)1273 260805/700747/+44 (0)1273 709709 (Box office)
Fax: +44 (0)1273 707505/+44 (0)1273 261543 (Box office)
E-Mail: info@brighton-festival.org.uk, tickets@brightondome.org
Web links: http://www.brightonfestival.org/
BURY ST. EDMUNDS FESTIVAL
8 - 24 May 2009
A general arts festival with a strong musical element and some literary events.
Contact: Nick Wells (Festival Manager)
Borough Offices
Angel Hill
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 1XB
Tel: +44 (0)1284 757630/+44 (0)1284 757099 (festival hotline)
Fax: +44 (0)1284 757631
E-Mail: info@buryfestival.co.uk, nick.wells@stedsbc.gov.uk
Web links: http://www2.buryfreepress.co.uk/festival/index.asp
CAMBRIDGE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL: THE BRIDGE OF TALES
8 - 10 May 2009
Following the success of our first festival, Cambridge Storytellers are once again inviting story lovers to dodge the trolls as they cross the Cam for another spellbinding event in May. We showcase the best in the oral tradition, with a major new piece from world-class storyteller Ben Haggarty, 'Mr Sandmann - Bringer of Dreams and Nightmares', a focus on new tellers including Dominic Kelly and contenders for the Young Storyteller of the Year award, and many workshops, open tellings and networking events. Expect to be challenged, enchanted, and inspired!
St Andrew's Hall
Chesterton
Cambridge
CB4 1DH
Email: cambridgestorytellers@gmail.com
Web links: www.cambridgestorytellers.com
CHALFONT ST GILES AND JORDANS LITERARY FESTIVAL (BIENNIAL)
May 2010 (tbc)
The festival is back for the third year with new speakers and another writing competition.
Contact: Kathleen Martin
The Festival Box Office
The Finches
Mill Lane
Chalfont St Giles
HP8 4NX
Tel: +44 (0)1494 873966 (between 11am and 8pm)
E-Mail: csg.boxoffice@ntlworld.com
Web links: http://www.chalfontstgilesliteraryfestival.org.uk
CHARLESTON FESTIVAL
May 2009 (tbc)
Set in the tranquil country home of the Bloomsbury artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell, this annual festival never fails to bring international writers and thinkers to the Sussex countryside. Appearing in 2007 were William Dalrymple, Alain de Botton, Kiran Desai, Michael Frayn, Clive James, Andrew Motion, Claire Tomalin, Edward St Aubyn and Graham Swift. Poets Auden & MacNiece are discussed by Tom Paulin and John Fuller; Mark Haworth-Booth discusses Lee Miller; and Daphne du Maurier’s haunting novels will be scrutinised by Justine Picardie, Nicholas Roeg and Nell Leyshon.
Contact: Darren Clarke (Visitor & Festival Manager)
Charleston Trust
Charleston
Firle
Lewes
BN8 6LL
Tel: 01323 811265
E-mail: d.clarke@charleston.org.uk
www.charleston.org.uk
COUNTRYBOOKSHOP PEAK FESTIVAL
Various
May 2009
Last year's festival included talks by John Major, Marina Lewycka, Ramachandra Guha, Rageh Omah, Lionel Shriver, and Louis de Bernières.
Contact: Sridhar Gowda (Director)
Countrybookshop
Hassop Station
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1NW
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1629 816701
E-Mail: Sridhar Gowda
Web links: http://www.countrybookshop.co.uk/peakfestival/
DAPHNE DU MAURIER FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND LITERATURE
7 - 16 May 2009
Fowey Cornwall
A festival to celebrate the life and works of Daphne du Maurier featuring writers, entertainers and celebrities of national and international renown.
Contact: Jonathan Aberdeen (Festival Co-ordinator)
Restormel Borough Council
Penwinnick Road
St Austell
Cornwall
PL25 5DR
Tel: +44 (0)1726 223535/+44 (0)1726 77477
Fax: +44 (0)1276 223301
E-Mail: jaberdeen@restormel.gov.uk
Web links: http://www.dumaurierfestival.co.uk/
DORCHESTER FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND ARTS (BIENNIAL)
1-10 May 2009
Includes a small literature programme.
Contact: Sharon Hayden (Festival Organiser)
Dorchester Arts Centre
School Lane
The Grove
Dorchester
DT1 1XR
Tel: +44 (0)1305 266926
Fax: +44 (0)1305 266143
E-Mail: enquiries@dorchesterarts.org.uk
Web links: http://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk
DULWICH FESTIVAL
May 2009 (tbc)
A community arts festival that features literary talks and readings, poetry, historical/architectural/wildlife walks, theatre, music, art and family entertainment.
Contact: Susie (Festival Director)
Tel: +44 (0)20 8299 1011
E-Mail: enquiries@dulwichfestival.co.uk
Web links: http://www.dulwichfestival.co.uk
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ARTS FESTIVAL
22 - 30 May 2009
A regional general arts festival involving music, visual arts, drama, film, dance, children's events and literature. 2009 marks the 30th anniversary of the Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival.
Contact: Lynn Otty (Literature Convener)
Gracefield Arts Centre
28 Edinburgh Road
Dumfries
DG1 1JQ
Tel: +44 (0)1387 260447
Fax: +44 (0)1387 260447
E-Mail: info@dgartsfestival.org.uk
Web links: http://www.dgartsfestival.org.uk
HAMPSTEAD AND HIGHGATE FESTIVAL
7 - 13 May 2009
The Hampstead and Highgate Festival is mainly a classical music festival, however it also features literary events. In previous years it has featured the likes of Tracy Chevalier, Deborah Jaffé, Ruth Rosen and Claire Tomalin, and events celebrating W H Auden and Thomas Hardy.
Contact: (Festival Organiser)
Hampstead and Highgate Festival Ltd
38 Glenilla Road
London
NW3 4AN
Tel: +44 (0)20 7722 1414
E-Mail: mailinglist@hamandhighfest.co.uk
Web links: http://www.hamandhighfest.co.uk
THE HASLEMERE TENNYSON WEEKEND
22 - 24 May 2009
Aldworth House, Haslemere
Haslemere is delighted to be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, with a weekend of themed events. You can attend individual events or the whole weekend at a special rate including accommodation. Tennyson lived and worked at Aldworth House, Haslemere, for much of his later life dying there in 1892. The weekend’s events include a gala dinner, specialist lectures, an evening concert, choral matins and a peal of bells. In addition, the Haslemere Educational Museum are displaying two exhibitions during May to complement the weekend. We are also running a People's Poetry competition with the winners being announced by Michael Rosen on Friday 22nd May. This weekend forms part of the 2009 Haslemere Festival and is supported by Haslemere Town Council, the Haslemere Initiative and Waverley Borough Council.
Contact: The Haslemere Tennyson Weekend
c/o 1a Causewayside
High Street
Haslemere
Surrey
GU27 2JZ
Tel: +44 (0)1428 645 967
E-Mail: tennyson@haslemere.com
Web links: http://www.haslemere.com/tennyson/
LINCOLN BOOK FESTIVAL
13 - 17 May 2009
The Lincoln Book Festival aims to celebrate books but also includes some other art forms that books initiate and inspire - comedy, film, performance and conversation. The festival aims to celebrate local, national and international writers and artists, historical and contemporary works of art as well as offering the public a chance to see both emerging and well-known writers and artists.
Contact: Sara Bullimore (Arts and Cultural Sector Officer)
City of Lincoln Council
Department of Development and Environmental Services
City Hall
Beaumont Fee
Lincoln
LN1 1DF
Tel: +44 (0) 1522 873844
Fax: +44 (0)1522 873553
E-Mail: Sara.Bullimore@lincoln.gov.uk
Web links: http://www.lincolnbookfestival.co.uk
PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
21 – 31 May 2009
Mainly a music festival with a small literary content.
Contact: Sandra Ralston
3-5 High Street
Perth
PH1 5JS
Tel: +44 (0)1738 475295
Fax: +44 (0)1738 475295
E-Mail: info@perthfestival.co.uk
Web links: http://www.perthfestival.co.uk/
POETRY-NEXT-THE-SEA
8 - 10 May 2009
The festival is held on the quay at Wells-on-the-Sea, Norfolk. Among those offering readings, discussions and workshops in the past have been Blake Morrison, Matthew Hollis and more.
Contact: Susan Marshall
Festival Office
Whitestones
The Buttlands
Wells-next-the-Sea
Norfolk
NR23 1EZ
Tel: +44 (0)1328 711813
Fax: +44 (0)1328 710915
E-Mail: enquiries@poetrynextthesea.com, suzy948@btinternet.com.
Web links: http://www.poetry-next-the-sea.com/
SWALEDALE FESTIVAL
Various offerings in Swaledale and the surrounding Dales
23 May - 6 June 2009
A general arts festival with some literature events such as literary workshops including the opportunity to write and perform Renga poetry.
Contact: Katharine Oldershaw (Festival Administrator)
Hudson House
High Row
Reeth
Richmond
North Yorkshire
DL11 6TB
Tel: +44 (0)1748 880019
Fax: +44 (0)1748 880028
E-Mail: info@swaledale-festival.org.uk
Web links: http://www.swaledale-festival.org.uk
SWINDON FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE
4 - 16 May 2009
Comprises talks, readings, and question and answer sessions with authors, performers, and poets; plus writing workshops, discussions, storytelling, and a 'Performance Poetry Slam Competition'. Authors attending include the famous, the infamous, and the unknown.
Contact: Matt Holland (Festival Director)
Lower Shaw Farm
Shaw
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN5 5PJ
Tel: +44 (0)1793 771080
Fax: +44 (0)1793 771080
E-Mail: swindonlitfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk
Web links: http://www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk
THE GUARDIAN HAY FESTIVAL
21 - 31 May 2009
One of the largest literary festivals in the UK. Past programme events and performances crossed literature with cabaret, cinema, circus, comedy, environment, film, music, politics, science, screenwriting and visual arts. Children's Festival Hay Fever runs alongside the Guardian Hay Festival every year.
Contact: Lyndy Cooke (General Manager)
The Drill Hall
25 Lion Street
Hay-on-Wye
HR3 5AD
Tel: +44 (0)1497 821 217 (admin)/+44 (0)1497 821 299 (Box Office)
Fax: +44 (0)1497 821 066
E-Mail: admin@hayfestival.co.uk
Web links: http://www.hayfestival.com
WORD - UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN WRITERS FESTIVAL
King's College, University of Aberdeen and various other venues across Aberdeen
13 - 17 May 2009
Word attracts over 50 authors for a weekend of readings, lectures, debates, music, art exhibitions and film screenings. New festival developments include an extended Schools' and Children’s programme, and a Festival of Gaelic!
Contact: Fiona Reid (Festival Co-ordinator)
University of Aberdeen
Office of External Affairs
University of Aberdeen
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
Tel: +44 (0)1224 273726
Fax: +44 (0)1224 274433
E-Mail: Fiona Reid
Web links: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/word
WORDFRINGE
1 - 31 May 2009
Various venues across Aberdeenshire
Wordfringe grew up around the University of Aberdeen’s 'Word' festival to provide a platform for more innovative events, as well as exposure for new and emerging local talent, but it is an independent festival in its own right, run by a partnership of writers, publishers, agencies, performing groups and writers’ groups in North-East Scotland.
Contact: Haworth Hodgkinson
Festival Director: wordfringe
Web links: http://www.wordfringe.co.uk/
WOMEN'S ARTS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL (Biennial)
May 2009
The first ever Women's Arts International Festival will feature artists such as Marianne Faithfull, Patti Smith, Bettye Lavette, Sandie Shaw, Malika Booker, Jo Brand, Jackie Kay, Ali Smith, Lionel Shriver, Lucy Siegle, Joan As Police Woman, Marissa Nadler, Tina Keane, Stella Vine, Jasmin Vardimon and many, many more.
Tel: +44 (0)1539 725133
E-mail: stayintouch@breweryarts.co.uk
Web links: www.womensartsinternational.co.uk
YOUNG READERS BIRMINGHAM
All Birmingham Libraries, The Library Theatre and various art sites across the city
May 2009 (tbc)
Young Readers Birmingham is an annual festival for children, young people and their families offering over 150 events, including a two- day 'Book Bash' at Aston Hall.
Contact: Gena Gaynor (Festival Organiser)
Birmingham Central Library
Children's Office
Chamberlain Square
Birmingham
B3 3HQ
Tel: +44 (0)121 303 3368
Fax: +44 (0)121 464 1004
E-Mail: Gena_Gaynor@birmingham.gov.uk
Web links: http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/youngreaders
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