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UK Literary Festivals
SEPTEMBER
All literature festivals across the UK taking place in September.

APPLEDORE BOOK FESTIVAL
27 September - 5 October 2008

The Appledore Book Festival takes place over nine days in the fishing village of Appledore North Devon with over 5000 visitors expected.  The festival remit to spread a love of reading and learning with innovative events and raise money for the Appledore Library and reading projects for disadvantaged children.  2007 hits included Kate Adie, Michael Rosen and Margeret Drabble.  The 2008 line-up features Jacqueline Wilson, Libby Purves, Tony Benn, Roy Hattersley, Penny Vincenzi, Peregrine Worsthorne and 52 other events including a large schools festival.

Contact: Nick Arnold
E-mail: appledorebookfestival@yahoo.co.uk
Website: http://appledorebookfestival.co.uk

THE BATH FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
21 - 30 September 2007

The Bath Festival of Children’s Literature is a 10-day celebration of children’s books and reading, and will feature some of the biggest and most creative names from the world of children’s publishing. Writers include Jaqueline Wilson, Eion Colfer, ANthony Horowitz, Lauren Child, Tony Ross and many more.

E-mail: john.mclay@btinternet.com
Website: www.bathfestivalofchildrensliterature.co.uk

ASPECTS - A CELEBRATION OF IRISH WRITING
September 2008

Aspects literary festival brings a wealth of Irish talent, covering all tastes and age ranges. From razor sharp political documentary, heart felt teenage angst, languorous poetic outpourings, to a secret 'off the beaten track' tour of our own land, then taking us as far afield to the colonial sufferings of a Native American tribe. Has included many established and emerging writers, such as Colin Bateman, Seamus Heaney, Paul Muldoon, Michael Longley and Marian Keyes.

Contact: Glynis Watt (Arts Officer)
North Down Borough Council
North Down Heritage Centre
Town Hall
The Castle
Bangor
County Down
BT20 4BT
Tel: +44 (0)02891 278032\par Booking Office on 02891 271200.
Fax: +44 (0)02891 271370
E-Mail: GlynisWatt@Northdown.gov.uk
Web links: http://www.northdown.gov.uk

BOOKLOVERS HOLIDAY
Near Girona, Spain
12 - 19 September 2008

A literary week of conversations, relaxation and the chance to meet an author. With Guest authors Chris Simms and Maggie Hamand.

Contact: Lee Pennington and Zoe Clarke
The Grove
Ramsley
South Zeal
Devon
EX20 2LB
Tel: +44 (0)871 734 1165
Email: sevendaywonder@mac.com

BRISTOL POETRY FESTIVAL
Bristol Old Vic and other venues in Bristol
September 2008

Poetic performances, outrageously sexy, hilarious, hauntingly beautiful, enter a world of magic, cross-dressing, betrayal, lust, love and death, female desire and gender division. Discover the power of poetry to transform. Mainly suitable for adults.

Contact: Colin Brown (Festival Director)
Poetry Can
Unit 11
20-22 Hepburn Road
St Paul's
Bristol
BS2 8UD
Tel: +44 (0)117 942 6976 (admin)\par +44 (0)117 987 7877 (box office)
Fax: +44 (0)117 944 1478
E-Mail: info@poetrycan.wanadoo.co.uk
Web links: http://www.poetrycan.co.uk

DURHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL
Gala Theatre and Studio
September 2008

Last year's festival, the 17th annual Durham Literature Festival, was the biggest and liveliest yet. Writers included Linton Kwesi Johnson, Sean O’Brien, Hilary Mantel and A.S. Byatt.

Contact: Alison Lister (Festivals Manager)
Durham City Arts Ltd
Byland Lodge
Hawthorn Terrace
Durham
DH1 4TD
Tel: +44 (0)191 3018245
Fax: +44 (0)191 3018821
E-Mail: alison@durhamcityarts.org
Web links: http://www.literaturefestival.co.uk

GRAHAM GREENE FESTIVAL
September 2008

A festival celebrating the life and work of Graham Greene featuring a mixture of films, talks and other events.

Contact: Ken Sherwood (The Secretary)
The Graham Greene Birthplace Trust
Rhenigidale
Ivy House Lane
Berkhamsted
Hertfordshire
HP4 2PP
Tel: +44 (0)1442 865158
E-Mail: secretary@grahamgreenebt.org
Web links: http://www.grahamgreenebt.org

HAVANT LITERARY FESTIVAL
25 - 28 September 2008

The programme includes talks, signings, poetry, theatre, workshops, walks, street events, word art, children's events, exhibitions - even a poet in a shed. There are also short story and poetry competitions, a Book Quiz and the Eyes Like A Hawk Book Trail, in association with Havant & Waterlooville FC.

Contact: Lucy Flannery
Tel: +44 (0)7880 735510
E-Mail: hlf2008havant@googlemail.com
Web links: www.havantlitfest.hampshire.org.uk

HENLEY LITERARY FESTIVAL
21 – 23 September 2007

There will be humour with columnist and authors Craig Brown and Gyles Brandreth, and one of the country's leading poets Jo Shapcott. The festival is keen to support Henley's wealth of creative talent by supporting successful local authors. Those who have already confirmed include Anna Pasternak, Daily Mail columnist and author of Princess in Love, crime writer Simon Kernick whose new book Relentless has been selected by the Richard and Judy Book Club, Lucy Cavendish, Malcolm Brown, Mick Smith and Patrick Lennon.

Orchard Cottage
Green Trees
Peppard
Oxon RG9 5EN
Tel: +44(0)1491 843 404
E-mail: info@henleylitfestival.co.uk
Web links: www.henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk/

ILKLEY LITERATURE FESTIVAL
Ilkley Playhouse
28 September - 14 October 2007

This festival includes top national and international names, authors events, discussions, workshops, poetry and short story competitions, literary walks, Festival Fringe, readers' events, a popular Open Mic, a Children's Literature Festival Weekend and special events for National Poetry Day. Lots of famous names are lined up, from literary novelists to much loved poets; from well known (and sometimes controversial) journalists to discussion of themes like the Abolition of the Slave Trade, graphic novels, Bollywood, Shakespeare and the English landscape.

Contact: Rachel Feldberg (Director)
The Manor House
2 Castle Hill
Ilkley
West Yorkshire
LS29 9DT
Tel: +44 (0)1943 601210/+44 (0)1943 816714 (Box Office)
Fax: +44 (0)1943 817079
E-Mail: admin@ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk
Web links: http://www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk

PETERLOO POETS INTERNATIONAL POETRY FESTIVAL
Peterloo Poets International Poetry Festival
September 2008

Contact: Harry Chambers
Peterloo Poets
The Old Chapel
Sand Lane
Calstock
Cornwall
PL18 9QX
Tel: +44 (0)1822 833473
Fax: +44 (0)1822 833989
E-Mail: info@peterloopoets.com
Web links: http://www.peterloopoets.com/

POETRY IN THE CITY
September/October 2007

This year's Poetry in the City Festival is part of Three Cities Create and Connect, and includes events in various venues throughout the city, including workshops, readings, competitions and events for all ages.

Contact: Deirdre O'Byrne (Literature Officer)
Nottingham City Council
Leisure and Community Services (Libraries)
Isabella St
Nottingham
NG1 6AT
Tel: +44 (0)115 915 8737
E-Mail: Deirdre O' Byrne
Web links: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/libraries.htm

RYE FESTIVAL
1 - 16 September 2007

A general arts festival with some literature events.

Contact: Pat Field (Press Officer)
Rye Festival
PO Box 33
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 7YB
Tel: +44 (0)1797 224442
E-Mail: info@turtlefineart.co.uk
Web links: http://www.ryefestival.co.uk

SAFFRON WALDEN LITERARY FESTIVAL
27 September - 1 October 2007

Harts Bookshop of Saffron Walden, Essex, runs this literary festival, which offers a broad programme for adults and children over the long weekend. Louis de Bernieres, Roger McGough, Meg Rosoff and Kevin Brooks will be appearing.

Contact: Jo Burch (Festival Organiser)
E-Mail: events@harts1836.co.uk
Web links: http://www.yoursample.co.uk/Harts/Events/

SEVENOAKS LITERARY CELEBRATION
September/October 2008

The 2006 Sevenoaks Literary Celebration was the most successful ever, attracting full houses to most events and much critical appreciation.  Speakers included Lionel Shriver, John Mullan and Malorie Blackman, and the festival closed with a Dickens Day with John Sutherland as key speaker.

Contact: John Morrison (Publicity)
Tel: 01732-454536
E-mail: johnmmorrison7@aol.com
Web links: http://www.sevenoaksliterarycelebration.com/

SMALL WONDER
19 - 23 September 2007

Still the UK's only festival dedicated entirely to the short story, Small Wonder is now in its fourth year. This year will continue in tradition with a two-day creative writing workshop and an array of thought-provoking talks and debates featuring a selection of our most celebrated contemporary writers, including Esther Freud, Monica Ali, Jon Snow, Jeremy Dyson and Fay Weldon.

Contact: Caroline Baron, Festival Director
Tel: 01273 709709 (box office)
E-Mail: info@charleston.org.uk
www.charleston.org.uk/smallwonder

SW11 LITERARY FESTIVAL
Various near SW11
11 - 27 September 2006

Literary festival in and around Clapham Junction.

Ottakars
70 St John's Road
Clapham Junction
London
SW11 1PT
Tel: +44 (0)20 7978 5844
Fax: +44 (0)20 7978 5855
E-Mail: clapham@ottakars.co.uk
Web links: http://www.ottakars.co.uk/waterstonesweb/home.do

TENBY ARTS FESTIVAL
September 2008

A music, arts and literature festival. This seaside event includes classic orchestral performances and jazz, Welsh choirs and soloists, sand sculptures and sambas and an increasingly strong participation of writers and performing poets. This year's festival will include international concert performers, poetry, drama and of course plenty of Welsh singing.

Contact: Reese Davis (Chairperson)
1 Rock House
St Julian Street
Tenby
Pembrokeshire
SA70 7BJ
Tel: +44 (0)1834 843839
Fax: +44 (0)1834 845898
E-Mail: Mrs Reese Davis
Web links: http://www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk

THE BATH FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
21 - 30 September 2007

The Bath Festival of Children’s Literature is a 10-day celebration of children’s books and reading, and will feature some of the biggest and most creative names from the world of children’s publishing. Writers include Jaqueline Wilson, Eion Colfer, ANthony Horowitz, Lauren Child, Tony Ross and many more.

E-mail: john.mclay@btinternet.com
Website: www.bathfestivalofchildrensliterature.co.uk

WIGTOWN LITERARY FESTIVAL
Various venues in and around Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway
28 September – 7 October 2007

Held in Scotland's national Book Town with literary readings, group discussions, interviews and book launches plus music and children's events.

Wigtown Book Town Company
The County Buildings
Wigtown
Dumfries & Galloway
DG8 9JH
Tel: +44 (0)1988 402036
Fax: +44 (0)1988 402506
E-Mail: info@wigtown-booktown.co.uk
Web links: http://www.wigtown-booktown.co.uk

WONDERFULWORDS - CORNWALL LIBRARY BOOK FESTIVAL

The countywide festival comprises of children's literary events during September, a week long Poetry Festival in early October along with a month of adult literary events throughout October.

Contact: Rebecca Rowland
Cornwall Library Service
Bude Library
The Wharf
Bude
Cornwall
EX23 8LG
Tel: +44 (0)1288 359242
Fax: +44 (0)1288 355176
E-Mail: rrowland@cornwall.gov.uk
Web links: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/library

WORDSWORTH TRUST - POETRY SEASON
May - October 2007

Various readings are held at St Martin's Students Union Bar, Ambleside. Poets include Gillian Allnutt, Simon Armitage, Jackie Kay, Jacob Polley, Geraldine Green and more. Refer to the website or the contact details to obtain further information.

Contact: Will Carr (Arts Officer)
The Wordsworth Trust
Dove Cottage
Grasmere
Cumbria
LA22 9SH
Tel: +44 (0)15394 35544
Fax: +44 (0)15394 63503
E-Mail: enquiries@wordsworth.org.uk
Web links: http://www.wordsworth.org.uk

WRITE TO IGNITE HACKNEY WORD FESTIVAL
Various locations in Hackney
3-29 September 2007

A diverse celebration of the word in all its glorious forms. Expect amazing words in strange places and strange words in amazing places - bars, galleries, book shops, libraries, theatres, cafes, streets, and some very special locations will be the stage for the best of Hackney's word artists.This year, Write to Ignite has crowned Michael Rosen Hackney's Poet Laureate. He will be making many appearances throughout the festival, culminating in a performance of specially commissioned poems about Hackney Streets.Other highlights include readings, performances and workshops from John Hegley, Scroobius Pip, Iain Sinclair, Tim Wells, Annie Freud, Simon Munnery, Gwyneth Herbert, Hugo Williams, Tim Turnbull, Adisa and Stewart Lee and many, many more. But take a look for yourself - this festival has something for every one, of every age.

Website:www.writetoignite.co.uk

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