Wordpool, Blackpool’s popular festival of words is back with a fresh addition to its programme of creative events – offering everyone the chance to get out in the March sunshine, discover a wealth of new authors, get writing and meet new friends!



The Festival of Written Word which runs from Wednesday 29 to Friday 31 March will see a range of internationally well-known and emerging writers visiting Blackpoolto share their own writing experiences with audiences and encourage new talent – there’s also a chance to get your own work published!!!

And anyone who wants an extra treat on Festival Thursday and travel in vintage style should be quick to book a Wordpool Rover ticket. The ticket gives access to all the day’s events, a full day of fascinating chat, delicious treats and the fun of travelling to library venues on a 1967 Leyland bus.

What’s On - An amazing literary journey

Wednesday 29th - A night of crime

One of Wordpool’s favourite crime authors Elly Griffiths is hosting the launch and annual fundraiser event Mystery & Illusion: The Art of the Crime Writer’ atStanley Park’s Art Deco Café.

She will be joined by authors Sharon Boston, Alex Marwood and Denise Mina who will explore the ‘Illusions of Crime’. Expect an evening of writing revelations, live music from the UKs only BookShop band, and delicious refreshments. Funds raised will go towards Wordpool’s summer schools’ programme.

Thursday 30th – From camper vans to cream teas

Young adult fiction author, Alice Broadway kick starts Thursday’s literary treats at Blackpool’s Palatine Library talking about writing in her yellow camper van and the process to her first novel, Ink.

Enjoy a light lunch at Layton Library and hear from G.X. Todd and Kit de Waal, authors who have both achieved critical and popular success with their debut novels.

It’s cream tea with international best seller Susan Lewis at 3pm in Moor Park Library. Susan is one of the UK’s best-selling fiction writers and is now on her thirty-seventh novel.

Later in the day, enjoy a tea time treat with Queens of Noir, Julia Crouch, Sarah Ward and Mandasue Heller.

End an amazing day with ‘Rivers of London’ author Ben Aaronovitch in conversation with internationally successful screen writer and crime author M.J. Arlidge.

Festival Friday 31st – Get Inspired

Festival Friday is just the ticket for those with a desire to write their own words. Find out how to get that best seller published! Award winning publicist, Maura Brickell joins Kevin Duffy, Head of independent book publishers, Bluemoose Books, and debut author Anna Chilvers at the Central Library.

Also on the day find out more about Liverpool based Writing on the Wall’s three new creative writing projects ‘Postcards to Blackpool’, ‘What’s Your Story?’ and the ‘Pulp Idol’ competition. Come along to this free event to get inspired, take your writing to another level, and even wina chance to get your work published!

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “It is fantastic to see Wordpool develop into an even bigger festival that is attracting acclaimed writers, debut authors and visitors to the town. There is really something to suit all tastes.

“It is not only a wonderful opportunity to hear from established writers about their experiences, I hope that it will encourage new talent to explore the magical world of words.”

Wordpool is managed by Blackpool’s Arts and Libraries Services and funded through a two year Arts Lottery Award through Arts Council England.

To find out more about the authors and events and to buy tickets, visit your local Blackpool Library or go to www.wordpoolfestival.co.uk

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