BRITAIN'S new poet laureate is among a series of first class Didsbury-based writers who are to take part in a festival organised by their local charity shop.
West Didsbury’s Carol Ann Duffy, the country’s first female laureate, heads an impressive cast of local writers performing readings of their work at Oxfam on Wilmslow Road during the book fortnight, which begins at 12.30pm on July 4, until Friday, July 17.
Among the contributors are novelist Adele Geras and crime writer Cath Staincliffe, whose Blue Murder novels were made into a TV series starring Caroline Quentin.
Other highlights include readings by Didsbury authors Nicholas Royle, Conrad Williams, Elizabeth Baines and Tom Fletcher, with contributions from Manchester poets Mike Garry and Linda Chase. Peter Kalu, the versatile poet, playwright, scriptwriter and novelist, will also read from a selection of his work.
Younger readers will be entertained with storytelling sessions being held throughout the two weeks by Oxfam volunteers. Oxfam manager Wendy Elliott said: "I am so grateful to all the writers who are taking part in Book Fortnight. We’ve planned some really exciting events to appeal to a huge range of literary tastes and to bookworms of all ages from two upwards.
"We are really proud of our wonderful bookshop. It is very well-organised and well-stocked, thanks to the generosity of local people and the hard work of our volunteers.
"If you haven’t been in recently, then come along to Book Fortnight and enjoy a good browse."
Top line up for festival
Grand opening and reading by Carol Ann Duffy - July 4, 12.30pm
- Adele Geras - July 6, 7pm
- Nicholas Royle and Tom Fletcher - July 7, 7pm
- Elizabeth Baines - July 8, 7pm
- Elizabeth Baines - July 9, 7pm
- Children’s story time - July 10, 2pm
- Mike Garry poetry event - July 10, 7pm
- Children’s story time event - July 11, 2pm
- Conrad Williams - July 13, 7pm
- Linda Chase - July 14, 7pm l Pete Kalu - July 16, 7pm
- Children’s story time - July 17, 2pm
All events will take place at the Oxfam shop on 778 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury. For details visit Oxfam in Didsbury or ring: 0161 434 5380.
