To celebrate the Kettering Festival of Literature, Kettering Civic Society will be presenting a day of poetry and talks on Saturday 16th September with over twenty authors in various venues around the town. The festival has been made possible via a grant from Historic England as part of Kettering’s Cultural Consortium’s aim to promote the town and engage the community. Highlighting Northamptonshire’s rich literary heritage, the Society wishes to share and celebrate this with entertainment for all ages covering a range of genres. Ian Addis will share stories of his friend and colleague, former Highfi eld’s School (now Greenfi elds School) headteacher, J.L. Carr who was an eminent writer, artist and conservationist. There will then be an opportunity to meet his son, Bob Carr, who will bring a selection of his father’s works to Cornmarket Hall. Another favourite Northamptonshire author, H.E. Bates will be the subject of a talk by his granddaughter, Victoria Wicks while fans of ‘The Little Grey Men’, will enjoy The BB Society’s talk about Denys Watkins Pitchford. The day would not be complete without poetry by John Clare and other readings from past and presentday poets which will take place in the Parish Church. The Parish Church rooms will also provide two workshops by cartoon artist Kev Sutherland which will be suitable for all ages from 7 upwards. Meanwhile, Toller Church will host local authors, crime writer Jane Isaacs and Sarah Lee, author of ‘An Ocean Apart’. Children’s authors will include Francis Durkin and Megan Rix who will use sign language in her presentation. There will then be an opportunity to meet these authors along with Kev Sutherland in Waterstones where they will be signing copies of their books. The festival date coincides with the national Heritage Open Days scheme and included in the programme for the weekend will be comedian Josie Long (Saturday 16th September) and Richard Coles (Sunday 17th September) both of whom will be performing at St Andrew’s Arts Centre. All events will be free of charge however it is essential to book in order to avoid disappointment; for further details please visit www.ketteringcivic society.net/lit-day.htm |