FOWEY FESTIVAL OF WORDS & MUSIC OPENS WITH POLDARK-THEMED DAY.
9th – 16th May 2015
The Fowey Festival of Words and Music has announced its exciting programme of events for 2015 featuring a world-class line-up of authors, speakers and musicians. The week-long festival from Saturday 9th to Saturday 16th May will open with the du Maurier Lecture and Luncheon, hosted and delivered by Andrew Graham, son of Poldark novelist Winston Graham OBE, followed by an hour-long panel discussion at St. Fimbarras Church at 4pm with the TV show’s scriptwriter Debbie Horsfield and executive producer Karen Thrussell.
The county’s leading literary festival, which features a world-class line-up of authors, speakers and musicians, has confirmed the attendance of humanitarian and author Terry Waite CBE, journalist and author Penny Junor, historian Dr Ian Mortimer and award-winning novelist Linda Grant. Joining the line up is Patrick Gale, Philip Marsden, Rowan Coleman, Ben Kane, Julie Summers, Tim Bentinck, Judy Finnegan in conversation with Richard Madeley. There is a panel discussion with senior scriptwriters and cast members of The Archers debating the incredible developments of the plot. The festival also features Cornwall-based writers Isabel Ashdown, The Fisherman’s Friends’ Jon Cleave, Lisa Woollett and Rachel Lambert.
The musical element of the festival is represented by traditional folk singers The Farrell Family; Gypfunk; Hands on Harps and the return of world-renowned jazz singer Tina May, accompanied by the Craig Milverton Trio. Showcasing local musical talent there is a Musical Evening featuring local choirs.
The programme also features a full day of du Maurier events with workshops, reading groups and an expert panel discussion on du Maurier adaptations chaired by Professor Helen Taylor. The festival is also attempting to get into the Guinness Book of Records by reading from du Maurier books for 24hours.
Last year the festival successfully launched The Family Fun Weekend at Trenython Manor and has confirmed another weekend of creative activities for all the family on Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May. Once again the weekend of indoor and outdoor activities will celebrate nature and the wonderful world of children’s art and literature.
A joint choir from Fowey, Lostwithiel and Tywardreath schools will open the event on the Saturday at 11am. Roselyon School Choir will perform on Saturday afternoon and musicians from Fowey River Academy will play on Sunday.
In addition, a Family Bookshop in Trenython’s comfortable lounge will feature stories and poetry brought alive by readings, song and art by local authors Jon (Fishermen’s Friend) Cleave, Sarah Boothroyde from the Padstow Lobster Hatchery accompanied by live baby lobsters and Jane Gulliver & Karen Norton who will launch their brand new book ‘123 Where are You?’
The winners will also be announced for the Fowey Festival Children’s Poetry & Art Competitions 2015. The Poetry competition was sponsored by Bookends of Fowey, art prizes donated by The Bodmin Decorative and Fine Arts Society and GreatArt. Winning pictures will be framed by Atishoo Gallery in Charlestown and exhibited at The Webb Street Gallery in Fowey before being shown at the Festival Weekend.
New this year is the Festival Café and Waterstones bookshop at the Royal Fowey Yacht Club, which will be open to festivalgoers for teas, coffees, cake, Pimms on the terrace and dinner before an event. The wonderful views from the Terrace over the river towards the sea will enhance any gathering before or after a show.
The du Maurier Festival Society is extremely grateful to its key sponsor the Richardson Hotel Group; event sponsors; participants and the whole town of Fowey for embracing the 2015 Festival.
Tickets are available at http://www.foweyfestival.com or from the festival box office 01726 879500. The Festival brochure is available to download from the Festival website.
For further information on Fowey Festival of Words & Music please contact:
James Horrocks [email protected] 020 8996 1521/07515 709916.
