SWADLINCOTE FESTIVAL OF WORDS
Thank you to everyone who supported this year's 4 days of literary fun and adventure , exploring fiction, non-fiction, poetry and performance
Highlights from 2024
The Swadlincote Festival of Words took place 7-10 March 2024 with events for children, young people, adults and families. Highlights included:
* Involvement of more than 30 authors, poets, artists and performers, something that Swadlincote has not experienced before.
* The Launch of the ‘Swad in the Forest’ Poetry Anthology, a heartfelt book of 37 poems from local poets that takes readers on a journey of local places and spaces, past and present, around Swadlincote and the National Forest.
* Opportunities for writers to meet authors and take part in workshops to improve their own writing.
* Display of 28 giant bookmarks designed by 6 local primary schools and nurseries involving more than 750 children as well as the wonderful book display from Year 5 at Belmont Primary School.
* Enabled many local authors and artists to showcase their work, make connections, and introduce their craft to a new audience.
* Given a voice and confidence to would-be authors and poets who never thought it would ever be possible.
Plans for 2025
Next year's Swadlincote Festival of Words will take place from Thursday 20 March to Sunday 23 March 2025. Once again, it is anticipated there will be plenty of authors visiting, workshops to enjoy, learn or improve skills, performance opportunities, visual displays and plenty of fun with words to be had.
Planning meetings will take place on the last Wednesday of the month starting from Wednesday 24 April 2024. For 2025 we welcome individuals, groups, schools and local businesses to create their own events to be included in the programme. If you have an idea or would like to come along to the meetings please contact us by email to hello@swadlincotefestivalofwords.co.uk or message us via our social channels
About Swadlincote's Festival of Words
Swadlincote's Festival of Words has been organised to encourage reading and support literacy across all walks of life, from schools to reading, writing and performance groups to those who may be socially isolated and would benefit from literary fun and adventures.
The programme is designed to be inclusive with many events and activities offered free, where possible, as well as those
that may be charged for to assist with event costs and to attract well-known authors and poets to enhance the experience for all those involved.
The Swadlincote Festival of Words is a community event, organised on a not-for-profit basis. Any profits will be reinvested into future events and activities.
How You Can Help
The Festival Organisers are keen to hear from individuals, groups or organisations who would be willing to:
- Get involved as an Author, Poet or Illustrator
- Offer a venue to host an event or activity
- Give time to help organise, manage or steward for events over the 4 day period
- Sponsor an event or activity
Please get in touch by email to hello@swadlincotefestivalofwords.co.uk or send a message to 07727 257262 or private message via www.facebook.com/swadlincotefestivalofwords
This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund #UKSPF
