Literature Festival continues success
Wed 22nd October 2014
Beverley Literature Festival drew to a triumphant close this year, when over 350 people flocked to the town’s iconic Minster to hear Baroness Shirley Williams talk about her late mother, the author and pacifist Vera Brittain.
The event marked the end of this year’s festival, which encompassed over 40 different events and brought writers, artists, actors, musicians, storytellers, magicians and puppeteers to the town over an 11-day period.
Festival Director Dorcas Taylor said: “We couldn’t be happier with the Festival this year. We’ve hosted some fantastic events with huge diversity, and had the opportunity to work with some brilliant practitioners.
“Where else could you see an ex-Housemartin leading a ukelele flashmob in the library, a crime panel featuring some of the UK’s best crime novelists, a highly respected Larkin scholar and one of our most iconic contemporary female authors – all within yards of each other on the same day?”
In its 12th year, the Festival welcomed bestselling author Kathy Lette, food critic and journalist Jay Rayner, and multi-award-winning author Sarah Waters to the town, as well as a host of homegrown and international literary talent.
It opened this year with a premiere of John Godber’s most recent commission, a collaboration between the playwright, the University of Hull and Wordquake. Touring libraries and venues throughout the East Riding, Who Cares took a wry look at NHS communications systems with a hefty dose of kafka-esque black humour.
Ms Taylor added: “We were particularly delighted to welcome Norwegian legend Tore Renberg to Beverley - especially as it was his only appearance in the UK - and working with John Godber has been a thrilling highlight. 2014 has certainly been one of the most successful Festivals yet, but, like every year, it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors and the hard work of our volunteers”
Councillor Richard Burton, portfolio holder for civic wellbeing and culture, added: “I am delighted that we have broken new ground with this year’s Festival, with a new touring production, and an even bigger children’s programme. I would like to thank everybody involved in this year’s Festival, whether those who organised it, or those who attended the wealth of events. We are already looking forward to the 2015 Festival!”
Beverley Literature Festival 2014 was part-funded by Arts Council England along with East Riding Council, and the children's programme was supported by the Beverley Building Society.
