Rochdale will fling open its arms to poets, writers and TV personalities at the inaugural Literature and Ideas Festival 2013 this weekend.
Hosted by Rochdale-based writer Norman Warwick, people are invited to take part in a three-day extravaganza with 40 shows focusing on dance, music, theatre, drama, film, science and visual arts.
Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, Dragon’s Den star Mark Champkins and BBC’s The One Show contributor and author Gyles Brandreth are just some of the people who will attend the three-day event.
Mr Champkins explained that he believed there is nothing better than being inspired and energised by ideas.
He said: “I think Rochdale literature and ideas festival will provide a fantastic opportunity to soak up the enthusiasm associated with creating and sharing ideas.
“I’m very much looking forward to sharing my passion for ingenuity and inventiveness.”
Rochdale couple Annie and Frank Maskew shared a passion for literature and left some money to be used on literary and philosophical events to ensure classic works were available to future generations.
The event has been organised by Rochdale Borough Council and Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Williams, hopes it will become an annual event.
He said: “I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to put this festival together and give a warm welcome to all our visitors.
“To have such a fantastic line up for our first festival is wonderful and really sets the standard for years to come.
“It’s important that the festival raises its own funds and every penny received from tickets will go towards next year’s festival.”
For more information visit http://rochdaleliteraturefestival.co.uk/
Picture courtesy of chrisdonia, via Flickr, with thanks.
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