AN exhibition of poetic works by Catalan poet Joan Brossa illustrated by dramatic lithographic responses by friend Antoni Tapies is currently on display at Leigh's Turnpike Gallery, providing an intriguing backdrop to 12 days of literary-linked events at 11 different venues throughout Wigan borough.

Brossa and Tapies produced their Poems From The Catalan in the early 1970s as a response to the continuing oppression of the Franco dictatorship. With the current renewed concern about freedom of expression their work, which gives vent to silenced opinions, seems particularly timely.

At 11am on Wednesday, March 30 at the gallery, Loraine Saunders (currently completing her PhD on George Orwell at Liverpool University) looks at the writer's Spanish Civil War classic Homage To Catalonia (Penguin). A showing of Ken Loach's Land And Freedom follows at 2pm.

At the same venue at 3pm on 1 April, one of Wigan's most famous sons, pop music journalist and Radio2 host Stuart Maconie will hold a master class on music journalism for under-25s, and will return to the Gallery at 7pm to talk about his book Cider With Roadies (Ebury Press).

One of the tastier moments in this innovative festival occurs on March 29/30, when the exotically named Mitzi Szereto will talk about eroticism in literature and read from some of her works, such as Wicked: Sexy Tales Of Legendary Lovers. The intriguing prospect of a practical workshop follows.

There will also be familiar faces from Manchester's literary scene with crime fighter Sal Kilkenny's creator Cath Staincliffe and poet Lemn Sissay set to appear, plus there will be workshops on topics as diverse as writing as mental health therapy and performance poetry are also planned.

With a programme so full, this second literary festival for the region is definitely worth making a trip out for.

Leigh and Wigan Words Together Annual Literary Festival 2005, March 28-April 9, admission to most events is free with a nominal charge for some. Enquiries to Stephen Lythgoe, Leigh Library 01942 404404.

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