Marlow’s first official literary festival, WORDS, promises an inspiring and packed programme of prose, poetry, song and drama, according to organisers The Marlow Writers’ Society.
The event takes place on Saturday, 17th June, with presentations from morning to evening in venues in the town centre. Local celebrity Tom Chambers will open the event officially at 10.00 am, kicking off a day of entertainment for all.
Local authors including Bill Dunn, John Karter and Susanna Beard will talk about their writing journeys and read extracts from their books, while Cecelia Anne Sadek, Michael Bourton and Jenny Simnett, all well-known local poets, will present an eclectic range of their work. Meanwhile Sian Baldwin, who handles publicity for Marlow-based Robert Thorogood among other authors, will discuss how to launch a book into the world successfully and how to capture the attention of media and national press.
For those who enjoy singing, Harmony Belles and Dave Dunbar are among the performers preparing to entertain. Harmony Belles is an all-female, four-part singing group with songs ranging from musical theatre to jazz and classical, while Dave Dunbar performs classic Jazz/Swing hits from the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Marlow Ukulele Group (see main photo) are also taking part.
‘Mary Does Marlow’, in the form of Nicola Metcalfe, will bring Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, to life through rhyme, song and general buffoonery, while Heather Adams will lead a Walk Through Marlow to discover and discuss the literary past of the town. Environmentally-themed activities for young children will be provided in a special room called the ‘Seedling Room’.
“We set up this festival to celebrate all forms of the spoken and written word, and we’re delighted that Marlow has so many wonderful writers and performers who are keen to join us,” Jonathan Slack, Chair of the Marlow Writers’ Society, said. “The programme has something to inspire and delight everyone.”
Sponsors of the event include Marlow Town Council, Transition Town Marlow and Marlow Round Table. A full programme and tickets will be released in the next few weeks.
