THERE was record-breaking chat at this year’s Winter Stratford Literary Festival.
The festival, which ran at Stratford Playhouse for nine days last month, saw more than 2,000 tickets sold.
Packed audiences enjoyed talks from veteran broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson, BBC world affairs editor John Simpson,
Channel 4 News presenter Cathy Newman, historian Lucy Worsley, former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger and BBC editorial director Kamal Ahmed.
The festival also received a grant of £4,000 from Stratford Town Trust towards ‘Books with Friends’ – a free, informal book club for over 55s.
Festival director Annie Ashworth said: “Our autumn/winter festival attracted record numbers with huge audiences enjoying our biggest offering of talks.
“Everything ran smoothly and it was great to work with the new team at Stratford Playhouse. Our Winter series was once again sponsored by estate agents, Sheldon Bosley Knight and we were very grateful for their continued support.”
Next up is the Festival Schools Week running from April 1 to 5. It will feature authors, illustrators and workshops for all ages groups. The events take place within schools and are filled on a first come, first served basis. The line-up includes Jeanne Willis, Michelle Robinson, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Chae Strathie, James Carter, Smriti Prasadam-Halls, Sophia Bennett and Manjit Thrapp, Steven Camden, Tom Percival, Laura James, Nicola Davies and David Solomons.
To book any of the authors email [email protected] or call 01789 470185.
The Spring Festival, which will celebrate its 12th year in 2019, will take place from April 28 to May 5. The line-up will be announced shortly.
Visit www.stratlitfest.co.uk for further details.
