The first-ever Withington Book Festival will take place this October – with author workshops, practical classes and choir concerts hoping to inspire the community.
From 2 to 5 October, journalist and festival organiser Kirstie McCrum will welcome writers and artists to the village to celebrate the joys of storytelling.
The free festival will include talks and writing workshops featuring local authors as well as spoken word events, allowing festival-goers to learn, boost their literacy skills, or discover a new hobby.
McCrum said: “I want to pique the interest of people who wander in and try it.
“It’s free – so this is a risk-free use of time.
“There are people who don’t know that they like this!”
The Withington-based book enthusiast is passionate about the power of stories.
And she’s willing to bust convention and bring literature to her neighbours in fresh, innovative ways.
That’s why the festival’s opening event on 2 October is a spoken word evening hosted by VerboseMCR, whose events feature a unique take on storytelling rooted in speaking and listening.
McCrum believes sharing experiences is at the heart of any good tale – and spoken word is a fun, accessible route into a love of literature.
She said: “Spoken word is a lovely, interesting way of handing down stories.
“Come, sit and listen.”
To coincide with the festival, high-street shops will design book-themed window displays and pre-loved children’s books will be available for all from The Victoria Pub.
Establishments including Cafe Blah, Ice Shack and Something More Productive will get in on the action with book-themed quizzes and cocktails galore.
At the core of it all, though, is community.
McCrum said: “I want Withington to thrive.
“The week will be a bubble of good feeling and a swell of community pride.”
Join in on the festival fun at the following events:
VerboseMCR – October 2nd – Fuel Cafe Bar, 448 Wilmslow Road
Book-themed quiz – October 3rd – Cafe Blah, 418 Wilmslow Road
Meet the team – October 4th – Something More Productive, 9 Egerton Crescent
Author talks – October 5th – Withington Public Hall Institute, 2 Burton Road
Author workshops – October 5th – Withy Works @ Withington Baths, 30 Burton Road
Special Chor Concert – October 5th – Withington Public Hall Institute
Feature image: Trevor Mark Thomas
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