A VALE cultural institution is marking its tenth anniversary this year with the return of a nine-month series of eclectic events to suit all interests.
Evesham Festival of Words kicks off on March 23 and runs throughout the spring, summer and into winter, providing an opportunity to celebrate literature, poetry and song in all its forms.
What started from humble beginnings a decade ago has morphed into a popular staple on the festival calendar which keeps a keen audience of returning regulars as well as attracting newcomers to the town.
Tomb of Richard III. s
This year’s main festival weekend runs June 26 to 28 and includes history talks on Anne Neville and Henry VIII to Sunday Times bestselling author Tim Hindle on his crime novel A Killer in Paradise.
Prior to that, however, early highlights include behind-the-scenes of the film industry with stuntman turned crime writer Stuart St Paul on May 6 who has now published nine books. Prepare for an action-packed evening.
Then on June 17, a fascinating talk by Dave Andrews, the former BBC journalist who reported extensively on the discovery of the grave of Richard III promises to hold the audience captive.
For the greenfingered, an afternoon with gardening expert and Pershore College alumnus Reg Moule who will share some gardening stories on June 18 will be a sure-fire hit.
Horticulturist Reg Moule. s
Festival chair Sue Ablett said: “Each year, the festival programme gets better and better. We’re really excited about the lineup of events for our 10th anniversary year – there really is something for everyone in the programme.”
She has previously emphasised to the Observer the difference between it and a traditional literary festival. “We offer a broad choice of events and deliberately call it a ‘festival of words’ as opposed to a ‘literary festival’.
“We are not just about authors selling books – we have talks on all manner of topics.”
Visit website eveshamfestivalofwords.org for online ticket sales or to download this year’s festival programme.
