Saddleworth Literary Festival ready to flow
The Mayor & Mayoress of Oldham, along with the Youth Mayor have kindly agreed to open the 2nd Saddleworth Literary Festival on Saturday 24th March at 11:15am, in the main School Hall of Saddleworth School, aptly renamed ‘The Great Hall of Hogwarts’ for the festival.
The organisers of the 2nd Saddleworth Literary Festival are hoping for a bumper turn out on the weekend, 24th/25th March 2018, in Saddleworth School, Uppermill, having put together a varied guest list and a strong community involvement. Pupils of Saddleworth School and Waterhead Academy will be showcasing their literary and musical skills and several local Primary Schools, involved in the Dovestone Leaning Partnership, will be presenting prizes to the winners of their Poetry Competition contested by almost 300 children.
BBC Radio Manchester presenter, Mike Sweeney has invited patron, well-known actor John Henshaw, the organisers plus Saddleworth School English teacher, Mr. Lucas and one of his pupils, poet Darcy Knox, onto his programme on Friday March 23rd at 10am to talk about the festival.
In partnership with Oldham Libraries, the festival includes several writers and performers from the inaugral literary festival. School.
These include local resident and acclaimed writer, Jan Needle, best known for his books relating to the popular BBC television series, Grange Hill and Tucker’s Luck; local writer, Phaedra Patrick author of ‘The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper’ and her latest novel, ‘Wishes Under the Willow Tree’; London literary agent, Christine Green, returning to her Saddleworth roots to talk about her life in the literary world; author and poet, Bill Broady, who is inviting aspiring writers to submit pieces of work for him to provide constructive encouragement; BBC Radio Manchester presenter, Mike Sweeney who will be giving another lively talk; ‘ex-Scot’s Guard turned poet, Spike the Poet, author of 5 volumes of poetry; ‘Funky Fitness’ will once again be performing an episode from Barbara Hegab’s ‘Policeman Pete’ stories. Barbara will be presenting her Policeman Pete stories with the help of local neighbourhood policeman, Lee Cullen.
New to the festival are, ‘Buzz’ Hawkins of ‘The Bradshaws’ providing his unique style of music and wit; Cathy Crabb, award-winning playwright and poet and local resident, who will be onstage reciting extracts from her collection of adult-themed poems; Angela Blythe local author of the Saddleworth Vampire Series, which has been described as ‘Thirty Days meets Brassed Off’; Jenny Dayton will also be on hand both days to highlight ‘The Fairy Sanctuary’ and there will be face painting.
Barbara Hegab, author of the Policeman Pete stories and one of the organisers of the festival said, ‘So much effort has gone into organising this festival on an extremely tight budget. We urge the people of Saddleworth to come and support their children and the guests, all of whom have kindly given their time free of charge. We are confident it will be a huge success and go from strength to strength.’
Opening hours are 10:30am to 5:30pm. Entrance to the festival costs £5, which covers both days. Children and students have free entry. Tickets can be bought on the door or online at www.SaddleworthLitFest.co.uk
This excellent website has been created by the webmaster for the festival, Ryan Barnes of Year 11 Saddleworth School. Compere for the festival is Joe Wheeler – last year’s Head Boy of Saddleworth
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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