Drama enthusiasts are to be dazzled and entertained at this year’s Literary and Ideas Festival, says Rochdale’s Council Leader.
Usually when you think of festivals, copious amounts of real ale or hoards of teenagers in denim shorts and straw hats come to mind.
Rochdale however has its own view on how a festival should be hosted and are taking a literary twist on this year’s event.
The three day festival, which will take place from October 24 until October 26, will included a host of literary greats including Educating Rita author Willy Russell, poet Ian McMillan and comedian Dave Spikey.
Leader of Rochdale Council Richard Farnell said: “Once again Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival promises to dazzle, entertain and educate audiences young and old. The town is a brilliant backdrop for such an inspiring festival.”
Ticket sales have reportedly been encouraging according to a statement from Number One Riverside in Rochdale – one of the many contemporary venues hosting this year’s event.
Former X Factor contestant Lucy Spraggan, whose show was moved to the Number One Riverside venue due to popular demand, will also be making an appearance at the event which is in its second year running.
The library and first floor Hollingworth Conference Suite will stage the majority of performances,
Cllr Farnell said: “Events like this can help local businesses too, so I hope people come and support it as they did in 2013. I will be proud to welcome the performers and audiences for what promises to be another amazing few days.”
Historical ghost walks will also be taking place on Sunday where event hosts will highlight the many hidden treasures in the town that some may not know exist.
Lead story teller, Colin Meredith, said: “We are very in hand with the fabric of the festival and what it stands for. It gives everyone an opportunity for a complete understanding on not just Rochdale’s future but also the town’s past.”
The origins of the highly regarded festival stem from Frank and Annie Maskew, a literature loving couple who met in Rochdale Library and left a sum of money to be invested into the town’s literature and philosophy scene after they’d died.
The Literary and ideas Festival runs from Friday October 24 to Sunday October 26 with over 40 events.
Tickets are available from www.rochdaleliteraturefestival.co.uk or in person at the festival box office at Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside.
For festival updates on Twitter connect with @RochdaleLitFest
The programme is available in a variety of formats. You can download it from the festival website www.rochdaleliteraturefestival.co.uk, or view it day-by-day online.
Image courtesy of The Huntington via Flickr, with thanks.
