The first feature I noticed about the 2015 Wordpool festival was the consideration shown to those of us who like to combine snacks and words. Of the twelve main events only one is food free, and with good reason; following the Fylde Coast Youth Dance Company around Central Library with a handful of cake is a recipe (you’re welcome) for drama, not to mention extra work for our beloved librarians.
At the deep end of the word/food pool is the discussion of Elizabeth Fremantle’s historical novel Watch the Lady, via the Twitter book club (@BpoolLibraries, #bookpool). Food isn’t actually provided in this case but given that you can participate from your bed, surrounded by cats, Belgian chocolates and an historically accurate(ish) mug of ruby ale, this might just be the perfect collaboration of fiction and food.
Other highlights of this popular food literature festival include fizz and nibbles for the launch event at the Winter Gardens Mazzei Café (Manchester poet Tony Walsh and Wordpool favourites Revoe-lution Choir will be on hand to entertain consumers of culture), and Elevenses with Ali Shaw at Central Library on the Thursday. I’ll let you work out what time that kicks off.
Visiting authors this year include Ali Shaw (The Man Who Rained, The Girl with the Glass Feet), Tasha Kavanagh (Things We Have In Common), Elly Griffiths (The Ruth Galloway crime series), Bob and Carol Bridgestock (The DI Dylan crime series), Colette Snowden (The Secret to Not Drowning), Elizabeth Fremantle (Watch the Lady), Carys Bray (A Song for Issy), Amanda Brooke (The Missing Husband), and Helen Phifer (The Secrets of the Shadows).
The hugely popular Wordpool family fun day returns on Saturday 4th July with the Story Safari at Stanley Park. Features this year include Giant Pigeons, the Bubble Breathing Dragon, the Tower Menagerie, Chicken Licken, Just So Stories, the Blackpool Soundwaves, Save our Stories and the mythical Blackpool Poolie as well as a diverse selection of craft activities to engage young minds and keep small hands busy. Maps will be provided to allow families to explore all the animal-themed fun at this free event.
The Wordpool Festival takes place from Wednesday 1 to Saturday 4 July. Ticketed events cost between £3 and £4 with concessions for library members. Tickets can be bought from Central Library or via the website: https://blackpoolwordpool.wordpress.com. The Wordpool team can be contacted via email at: [email protected].
Show Comments (0)