Books. It's all about books
LOWDHAM’S 11th 12th annual book festival had its main day yesterday, 25 June 2011, with a range of free-to attend activities aimed at old and young alike. Held in and around Lowdham Village Hall, with four main marquees outside, this was the focus of the month-long festival.
Among the highlights was a conversation between novellist Stephen Booth, who writes police dramas based in Derbyshire, and Jasper Fforde, whose fantasy crime fiction is rather hard to describe – incorporating elements of other genres including period drama, science fiction, and western.
The day saw a number of theatrical presentations, including a moving series of Stories from the Workhouse which cast an eye back to the grim realities of the Southwell Workhouse. Children were catered for in a dedicated tent, with an appearance by the Cat in the Hat and a theatrical adaption of Sue Heap’s popular bedtime book Cowboy Baby, a new production by Catfoot Theatre which premiered here.
Of course, the day was about books – old books, new books, bestsellers, and niche titles with specific local or historic interest. Lowdham Book Festival has several more events over the next couple of weeks, full details on its website.
The event has grown from humble beginnings 11 years ago
Stephen Booth (l) in conversation with Jasper Fforde - standing room only
Youngsters were entertained with the story of Cowboy baby
Bookstalls reported brisk trade
Thanks for the report – this was actually our twelfth festival, not eleventh. I only mention this as next year we’ll enter our teenage years!
A great day was had by all! plenty of bargins to be had! had a smashing time!