Festival of Literature returns for 32nd time
It includes popular events like the Dawn Chorus and the Festival Finale
The Swindon Festival of Literature is returning for its 32nd year from today (5 May) until Sunday (11 May).
The event will feature a variety of authors, including comedian Ivo Graham, in different locations across the town.
Even though the idea for the festival was met with scepticism back in the 1990s, it is now an important part of Swindon’s yearly festival calendar.
Director Matt Holland told Greatest Hits Radio: “When we started it last century, some people said literature is for places like Oxford and Cheltenham, but maybe not for Swindon.
“We proved them completely wrong. The men and women and the children and young people in Swindon absolutely love it.”
Literature might sound like a big word, he added, but it is actually a simple concept.
“It sounds like a fancy word, but actually it’s men and women telling one another the stories of life and trying to find meaning in life.
“And it’s remarkably similar to what cavemen and women did around the fire, outside their caves, scratching their heads, looking at the stars and saying ‘Where can I find love?’, ‘What’s the meaning?’, ‘Where can we find food?’, ‘What should we do next?’, ‘What are doing spinning through space?’ – asking all those questions and getting answers.”
The festival includes author talks, presentations, writing workshops and a Flash Fiction Slam.
There will also be a storytelling walk, a film night and a children and families activities day.
The events will be taking place at Swindon’s bookshops and libraries as well as at Lower Shaw Farm and the Arts Centre.
“What we focus on is two things in particular”, Mr Holland explained.
“One is entertainment and the other is learning something new. So, when people are coming out of where the event was held, they’re talking to one another saying ‘I didn’t know that!’ and they’re laughing because they’ve been entertained.
“We have more than 30 events and I defy anyone to come along and not find something to enjoy. Whether it’s poetry, whether it’s about a novel or whether it’s about a discovery someone has made – you will come and you will enjoy it.”