22-30 September 2012
The people of Wakefield
are rather overlooked when it comes to literature, whether that be inspirational
hero figures or simply places to meet and talk about reading and writing.
Perhaps this is due to the fact that reading is generally considered a solitary
experience. But a story is there to be shared, right? Either way, a brand new
festival which takes place over nine days is seeking to remedy these oversights
and misconceptions.
Taking place mainly at The Orangery in the centre of town,
an impressive range of events are taking place that aim to entertain, inspire
and provoke discussion. And thankfully, it is not some highbrow impression of
literature; the focus is language as part of our everyday lives and how
important and exciting that can be. They are even letting Rhubarb Bomb play a
small part and you’ve seen how bad are grammar is, right?
The best thing to do is take a look at their programme.
However, as a quick preview, and example of the range of stuff they have, read
on.
There are numerous standouts across the nine days. Sept 28th
will see Simon Armitage read from his recent book Walking Home as well as a selection of his poems. Taking place in
the beautiful Unitarian Chapel (opposite The Orangery) this is a rare
opportunity to see someone of Armitage’s reputation and standing performing in
our city.
Sunday 23rd sees a range of poets, including Ian
McMillan perform. Poetry readings are pretty alien to me, I have to admit. But
with seven performing in the delicate surroundings of The Orangery, it’ll be
hard to pass up the opportunity to at least give
it a go. It’s an example of the care that has gone into this programming to
read the range of backgrounds and
experience of the poets performing. I think this will be a real eye opener.
Elsewhere in the schedule there are more unexpected treats; a screening of We Are Poets, an incredibly well received film about a group of teenage poets that breaks down any preconceptions you may have as to what a poet should or could be. There are writing and performance workshops for 14-19 year olds with Yew Tree Theatre, and also with local author Ian Clayton for those a little older, aswell as a Literary Pub Quiz.
On the Wednesday (26th), which is also the usual
Wakefield Artwalk, Rhubarb Bomb (i.e. me!) will be doing a short talk about
self-publication and the importance of zines, whilst also reading from it’s
recent book The City Consumes Us.
This evening is free, as part of the Artwalk.
The festival closes with a rehearsed reading of a brand new
play by John Godber, The Duck Stranglers
of Janada, a satire on the importance of theatre and the changes enforced
by cuts in the arts sector – again, another rare and unique treat for us
Wakefieldians.
Some of these events are free, whilst others have a small
charge. It is a chance to see and do something different, get those cogs in
your brain turning. It’s incredibly accessible too. Even as a supposed aspiring
writer, I still find ideas of ‘proper’ literature slightly daunting. Plays and
poetry; it can all seem very serious. Whilst Wakefield Literature Festival
clearly takes this event very seriously, the open and inviting nature of these
events mean there’s nothing exclusive about them. Trite as it can sound, there
is something here for everyone.
Take a look at the programme now and see what takes your
fancy. Take a chance on something new and support Wakefield culture!
Dean Freeman
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