St Swithun’s celebrates success of inaugural Literary Festival
On Wednesday 9th July 2014, St Swithun’s School, Winchester hosted its inaugural Literary Festival, an event which welcomed 45 authors and performers who led 58 workshops and performances across the day; 1000 visitors attended – students from St Swithun’s, and from schools across Hampshire, as well as VIP guests.
The school was pleased to welcome Austentatious, performing at St Swithun’s after their sell-out national tour. Daljit Nagra also performed and ran a workshop. His last two poetry collections have both been shortlisted for the TS Eliot poetry prize. He read from his latest poetic offering, his translation of the Indian epic, the Ramayana. London based stand-up poet Laurie Bolger had an enthusiastic audience for her lively performance in the marquee.
Amongst many other things events on offer were workshops in bookbinding and food writing; a walking retreat to a local nature reserve; a debate on the future of the book and talks on ghostwriting and short story writing.
Festival organiser and English teacher Claire Goymour commented ‘I’m so excited that St Swithun’s hosted this festival. The school was buzzing with activity: it’s so thrilling to witness a love for reading and literature being brought alive in this way. Thanks to everyone who contributed.’
To find out more about St Swithun’s, visit http://www.stswithuns.com/