Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy will join a host of big names taking part in Rochdale’s first ever Literature and Ideas Festival this autumn.
The three day event will feature the 57-year-old – who became Britain’s first female laureate in 2009 – reading some of her works and giving a signing.
Running from 25-27 October, the festival will include a series of live arts performances and Heywood-based poet Norman Warwick believes it will help get more people excited about poetry.
“Bringing someone in with the status of Carol Ann Duffy will help encourage inspiring and emerging writers,” he told MM.
“I’m hopeful that the profile of Poet Laureate will also attract non-traditional poetry-goers to attend the event out of interest.
“I think because she’s so based in the secondary curriculum at the moment as well, that will encourage younger poets both as writers and readers to attend.
“Hopefully schools will say ‘Wow, this is something that can help us from an educational point of view’ and I’m really hoping the festival might become an annual event.”
The festival will include a number of live performances and family friendly activities, all linked to literature and philosophy – a full programme being released in July.
Ms Duffy, Professor of Contemporary Poetry at Manchester Metropolitan University, will be accompanied by musician John Sampson.
And Rochdale Councillor Peter Williams, cabinet member for economic development and customer services, hopes the event will enable people to try something new.
“The festival is already shaping up to be a fantastic event,” he said.
“I hope it will be the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the creation and appreciation of the written word in our borough.
“To welcome the Poet Laureate at the very first Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival is a massive boost and sets the standard for years to come.”
Rochdale has a long association with the arts – nineteenth century poet Lord Byron a former resident – and the festival will take place at various venues across the borough.
The festival will be partly funded by Annie and Frank Maskew – a Rochdale couple who left money for literature events, helping ensure classic works are available for future generations.
Rochdale Libraries’ literature development officer Suzanne Heslan added: “There will be a different arts theme each day, with a specific literary and philosophical link to provide wide appeal.
“We’re really looking forward to delivering colourful and inspiring events to attract a new audience to reading and literature, and we’re absolutely delighted Carol Ann will be joining us.”
Picture courtesy of chrisdonia, via Flickr, with thanks.
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