The first 1,000 tickets for this year’s Rochdale Literature & Ideas Festival have been snapped-up but there is still time to book a place on one of the festival’s many exciting events.
Sales are up 35 per cent on this time last year and organisers are urging people to buy in advance rather than risk missing out by waiting until the festival begins.
Some shows including author and poet Gervase Phinn, historian David Starkey and children’s author Kristina Stephenson are already sold-out.
Now in its third year and with more than 30 shows, Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival runs from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October.
Councillor Daalat Ali, Rochdale Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, said:
“Our early bird ticket offer this summer got a great response and I know people from all across the borough and the north west are looking forward to the festival. We’ve added new venues and tried to make as many tickets available as possible but they are going quickly so people need to consider booking in advance. I will be proud to welcome audiences and special guests to Rochdale for another incredible few days.”
This year’s programme also includes talks by actress Helen Lederer, playwright Bonnie Greer OBE, comedian Dom Joly and author Jonathan Harvey. The Flying Horse Hotel hosts Andy Kershaw’s acclaimed one-man live show and a Theatre Writing Showcase will be at The Baum pub. Other highlights include ‘Emmerdale’ star and photographer Bill Ward, the Poet Laureate Dame Carol Ann Duffy, poet Lemn Sissay and author, S.F. Said.
Under the theme ‘expand your mind’ - the programme covers workshops, music, readings, children’s shows, interviews, talks and more from other guests including playwright Ian Townsend, artist Jim Medway, poet Andrew McMillan, plus authors Frances Brody and Sathnam Sanghera.
There’s a full programme of free events for children and families themed ‘Pirate Adventures’ and an exciting family theatre adaptation of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, specially produced for the festival by acclaimed writer and director Joyce Branagh.
The festival celebrates and promotes the Maskew Collection of classic literature and philosophy at Rochdale Central Library, encouraging people to engage in thought and philosophy. It is due to the generosity of Annie and Frank Maskew, a Rochdale couple who shared a passion for reading and thinking, who originally met in Rochdale Library. They left a sum of money to be used on resources and events related to literature, and philosophy to ensure classic works are available for future generations.
For the full line-up and to book tickets, visit www.rochdaleliteraturefestival.co.uk Bookings can also be made at Touchstones Arts and Heritage Centre in the Esplanade, Rochdale.
The festival is organised by Rochdale Borough Council, funded by ticket sales, sponsorship and the Maskew bequest.
12 Oct 2015