Warwick Words is back in town

In the year when the town celebrates its 1,100th anniversary and the nation marks 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War, the festival will include talks, workshops and walks exploring the history of the town and history in general and war poetry workshops.

While well-known writers including Lindsey Davis, Selina Todd and Jo Earmes are taking part, the festival, as always, also showcases the work of local writers - including Ian Mathie of Fenny Compton, with whom people may be familiar for his African memoirs series, sharing stories from his time working in development across the continent earlier on in his career. Following the recent publication of his newest book, Sorceres and Orange Peel, he can be seen in debate with former BBC journalist and author James Andrew Taylor over whether or not there is a spirit world at the Lord Leycester Hospital, on June 8.

The festival also includes children’s events, literary quizzes and open mic sessions.

Warwick Words’ executive director Helen Meeke said: “Last year we introduced a new, mini-festival, weekend format with events in June and October. We had an overwhelmingly positive response to this and so we are delighted to stage a summer and autumn festival again this year. Our popular series of Tea Time Talks, in association with the University of Warwick, are also continuing, and for the first time we will be hosting a series of workshops in association with the university.”

A full programme of events is available at libraries, cafes and shops in and around Warwick, or visit www.warwickwords.co.uk