A literature festival is being launched in Chipping Campden with the box office opening today. Organisers are hoping visitors will flock to the inaugural event in the picture- sque Cotswold town, boosting the economy.
From May 4 to May 8 townsfolk of all ages and visitors alike are being invited to readings, poetry and workshops in various venues throughout the town.
The festival is the first of its kind and will be celebrating the art of writing and the joy of reading. Its theme - In The Margins - explores what it is to be on the edge of society.
One of the organisers from Campden Bookshop Nikki Holt said: "The lively informative events include readings by highly acclaimed contemporary authors and talks and workshops in various venues including Chipping Campden School."
She said it was hoped the festival would bring about sharing of ideas in the pursuit of reading and writing.
Artistic director Vicky Bennett thought up the idea, supported by Ms Holt and her colleague Mary Gray.
Ms Holt added: "Without any public funding or grants, all of this has been made possible by our sponsor Lloyds Pharmacy, and the festival is also in partnership with Chipping Campden senior school."
Other events include storytelling for children in the local library and poetry readings by Chipping Campden School pupils to the residents of Mill House and a literary trail around Chipping Campden.
Fringe events include Henry Porter with his novel The Dying Lights and Paddington Bear selling the ‘little issue'.
Tickets to the event are on sale in Chipping Campden Book Shop in the High Street. For further information visit campdenlitfest. co.uk. Mrs Holt said there had already been lots of interest from people looking on the website.
September '10 Bulletin