York Literature Festival
Helen Citron takes a look at the events on offer from The York Literature Festival 2008
From the famous Hay Festival, established in 1988 and described by Bill Clinton as “the Woodstock of the mind”, to a recent event for the celebration of crime-writing in nearby Harrogate, literature festivals are flourishing. Providing a stimulating atmosphere for readers is the main aim of such events; however, with the ever-increasing marketability of literature, festivals are also important market-places for writers and booksellers.
This diversity is reflected in the programme for York Literature Festival 2008, taking place between March 1 and 15. It is run by a City of York Council initiative called ‘Read Write York’. Miles Salter, the organiser of the event, tells me he is keen to get students involved: “The relationship between the university and the local community seems rather polarised at the moment. Support from the student body would be really appreciated from us and the link could be rewarding both ways. The festival has a lot to offer students looking for something a bit different to do and gives them an opportunity to explore the creativity of the community among which they are living”.
Salter hopes the festival “will bring a new awareness of the amazing array of different groups in York involved in engaging in the processes of reading, writing and exploring literature”.
Looking through the festival’s brochure is certainly eye-opening. For instance, on March 4, an event entitled ‘Beat’, with the exciting if perplexing tag-line “Absinthe and Cola-roonie”, will take place in City Screen’s Basement Bar and promises to “mix classic 60’s beat poetry and vers libre with percussive bass-beats.” It is one of several events to combine the performance of poetry and music. On March 13 locomotives will be added to this combination in an event called ‘Trains of Thought’ in the National Railway Museum.
These offerings are balanced by events where budding writers can learn how to navigate the publishing industry and attend writing workshops to hone their skills. On March 11 at 8 pm, Dean Court Hotel plays host to an event in which three York-based writers discuss the modern world of writing and reveal how they “turned their consonants into cash”, whilst Borders is the location of a panel discussion entitled ‘The Art of Self -Publishing’ on March 15 at 2 pm.
York has provided inspiration to many novelists and poets, and on March 8 at 2 pm York Walk presents ‘The York Literary Walk’ around locations which have inspired authors such as Charles Dickens, WH Auden, the Bronte sisters and Kate Atkinson.
The most high-profile event is happening here on campus. Celebrated poet Carol Ann Duffy will be reading a selection of her work in the Jack Lyons Concert Hall on March 6 at 7pm. Other events connected with the University include a talk in King’s Manor on March 3 at 8 pm which will ask ‘Where are the poets of World War II?’. On March 6 the university’s Creative Writing Group will share their work from 7 pm at York Central Library.
Visit www.yorkfestivals.com for listings and more information
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