Crowds flock to see poets, authors, actors and broadcasters...
THOUSANDS of people have taken part in events planned as part of the town’s sixth literature festival.
Internationally renowned poet Simon Armitage CBE read some of his latest poetry collections at a sold-out St Chad’s Church in Rochdale for the finale of this year’s Literature and Ideas Festival.
Over the eight-day programme, hundreds of people watched top literary names showcase their creative work.
More than 1,700 tickets were sold – with hundreds more attending un-ticketed events throughout the festival and warm-up shows earlier this month.
The festival proved a big hit, across all ages, with 13 sold-out performances and good audiences across the week.
Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture, who introduced many of the events said the sixth festival had been a success
She added: “We’ve had a real mix of well-known international names, prolific writers and also some less celebrated acts and workshops playing to full houses.
“It was another diverse programme which helped attract a wide audience and the last eight days have been a real showcase of creativity and imagination. Ticket sales are up 10 per cent on last year and the number of positive comments we have received from far and wide is superb.
“What struck me day after day was the quality of the performances and the amazing talent on show.”
The festival began with the premiere of ‘A Different Story of Rochdale’ by local young writer Danny Lamb and a new play ‘Streaks’ by Rochdale Youth Theatre.
Pupils from Falinge Park High School performed their own work during an evening of open mic poetry hosted by spoken word artist Adisa the Verbaliser.
Stars of stage and screen were treading the boards at the Curtain Theatre for ‘Women of the World’ on Sunday, mixing classic poetry with contemporary work and music.
There was a kids’ Silent Disco at Touchstones and local company Brown’s Cakes held Dennis the Menace and Friends Cupcake Faces classes, giving everyone a chance to make a character from icing.
The festival was organised by Rochdale Council, sponsored by creative digital media company JGM Agency and The Royal Toby Hotel.