Tickets now on sale for the Derbyshire Literature Festival in libraries & online
The chance to chat to published authors, hear Bolsover MP Dennis Skinner talk about his life in politics and pick up some tips from Derbyshire Poet Laureate Helen Mort are just some of the attractions on offer at Derbyshire County Council’s Literature Festival in May.
Tickets are now on sale for more than 40 festival events which will run in libraries and community venues from Friday 8 May to Sunday 17 May.
Derbyshire County Council Assistant Director for Health and Communities Don Gibbs said: “Our Literature Festival is always very popular and I would urge people to get their tickets soon to avoid any disappointment.
“We’ve got some great writers lined up this year to talk about their work and this includes children’s authors as well as those who write for adults.
“It’s good to see some of our local Derbyshire talent being celebrated – both established writers and some up and coming authors too.
“This year there will also be music and storytelling along with creative workshops for those who want to get a bit more hands-on.”
Events throughout the Festival range from author talks and workshops to events for children and families. This year’s line-up includes writers Matt Haig, Kate Williams, Richard Benson, Sathnam Sanghera, Angela Buckley, Robert Shore, Jules Howard, Cath Staincliffe and Jill Dawson.
Appearances by Derbyshire MP Dennis Skinner, Derbyshire Poet Laureate Helen Mort and Christine Robinson, housekeeper at Chatsworth, will provide a local flavour, alongside up and coming Derbyshire writers Tracy Bloom and Joanna Courtney.
For those who enjoy music there will be a performance by Derbyshire folk group Mills and Chimneys, while a performance of The Lunar Men combines both music and storytelling.
The programme for families features children’s writers Jonathan Emmett and Abi Burlingham, Kerstin Morrison, poet Mark Gwynne Jones and storyteller Gordon McLellan. Workshops in writing, poetry, comics, and print making add a creative element to the festival programme.
The Festival is organised in partnership with local arts and heritage organisations. Their events include a book quiz at Cromford Mills, a literary tour of Renishaw Hall, storytelling at The Green Man Gallery in Buxton, performances at Bakewell Old House Museum; and the launch of a new book about Derwent Valley Mills to tie in with Belper Arts Festival.
The work of young people and community groups will be showcased with the premiere of a film made by pupils at The Long Eaton School; an open night hosted by members of the Chesterfield Write Here Group at Donut Creative Arts Studio; and readings by performers from the Barrow Hill Roundhouse community play.
Events will take place in libraries as well as heritage venues Renishaw Hall and Elvaston Castle and Country Park.
Copies of the Festival brochure and tickets are available from Derbyshire libraries. Tickets can also be booked online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/festival where residents can find out more information about the festival.