Wakefield Lit Fest 2015 Brochure

18th - 27th September 2015

Everyone has a story...

Programmed by

Funded by

Now in it’s fourth year, Beam is delighted to bring you a packed programme that celebrates reading and writing. Taking place across the city and district from community centres, cafes and shops to Wakefield’s historic buildings, cathedral, chapels and libraries - this year’s festival programme includes a wide range of community led events including poetry readings, writers workshops, spoken word, performance, music, walks (and even a quiz!) alongside an array of events organised by our brilliant festival partners.

This year Beam is delighted to welcome one of Wales’ most influential and widely read contemporary writers, National Poet of Wales, Gillian Clarke. Michael Wood, one of the country’s best loved historians and festival patron will be taking us back in time to explore the achievements of King Alfred and the Anglo-Saxons. There are too many festival highlights to mention them all but we are especially looking forward to an evening of Nordic Noir with two leading Danish authors; Lynn Hill founder of the Clandestine Cake Club talking about her new book ‘A Year of Cake’, and Nine Lives, a new play written by Zodwa Nyoni. This year also sees the return of Kate Fox, stand up comedian and poet and a special event with folk singer songwriter Kate Rusby. For the festival finale we welcome Ian McMillan who explores the meaning of Yorkshire – the theme of his new book ‘Neither Nowt Nor Summat’ who will ensure we end Lit Fest 2015 on a high note.

Children and young people are invited to take part in workshops and events as part of our first dedicated Children & Young People Weekend on 26th and 27th September with a Big Read, bed time stories, creative workshops and hands on activities and a special appearance by Nick Arnold best known for his Horrible Science series of children’s books.

This year Lit Fest brings you ‘Featherstone Festival of Words’, a bespoke mini festival centered on Featherstone Library and led by artist Rebecca Jenkins working with a group of local volunteers, which celebrates local heroes and includes writing workshops with Ian Clayton, a murder mystery tea dance, pop up café, outdoor events and a schools writing competition. This event is supported by Arts Council England’s Strategic Touring Fund and will be the first in a series of four events to be delivered across Wakefield District over the next two years, our next stop being Altofts.

Beam gratefully acknowledges the continued support of our funders and partners including Arts Council England, Wakefield Libraries, Trinity Walk Shopping Centre, Wakefield Grammar School Foundation, Wakefield College, Kirkstall Brewery and others.

See you at the festival!

The Beam Lit Fest Team: Hollie Latham & Natalie Walton, Lit Fest Co-ordinators; with Frances Smith, Robert Powell, Emma Butler, Suzie Cross, Rachel Price, Chloe Patrickson and Helen Ainsley.

"I’m delighted to be involved as part of this year’s Lit Fest programme with such a wide range of events that cater for all ages, tastes and areas of interest - it’s really great to see the festival grow and develop each year. The team have created a packed programme and I urge audiences to sample as many events as they can and hopefully try something new this year!" Michael Wood, Historian and Lit Fest Patron

With special thanks to Alison Cassels, John Clarke, Ian Clayton, Dan Conboy, Steve Dearden, Murray Edwards, Dean Freeman, Stephen May, Kevin Trickett, Sara Unwin, Michael Wood, Andy Wright and to all our fantastic festival partners, writers, performers and volunteers for your continued enthusiasm and support.

Front cover: Lynn Hill, Gillian Clarke, Laura Barnett, Michael Wood, Kate Rusby, Kate Fox, Leeds Young Authors, Nine Lives, Ian McMillan, Nick Arnold

Seed Fund Event.

Seed Fund events are back and better than ever for 2015! A series of curated events organised independently by local groups and individuals who have a passion for literature, they are denoted by the symbol throughout the programme. Selected events have been supported by Lit Fest through Arts Council England’s Grants for the Arts scheme.

Seed Fund supports a broad range of activity from public readings and workshops to schools outreach events - for example in 2015 Seed Fund has supported Friends of Altofts Library to deliver a Writing Workshop for school children in the surrounding area.

Get involved in Lit Fest 2016 and look out for the open call in spring and organise your own event - or sign up to receive our regular newsletter at www.wakefieldlitfest.org.uk Please note, seed fund event details are correct at time of going to print and may be subject to change.

Pre-Festival Event: Thursday 17th September Wakefield Civic Society presents Dr Jonathan Foyle 19:30 / The Orangery / £10/£8 Lincoln Cathedral: The Greatest Building in the Age of Magna Carta Join Dr Jonathan Foyle as we celebrate the anniversary of Magna Carta. The primary copy of the document has been held at Lincoln since 1215 and is now displayed in the Castle; but nearby stands Lincoln Cathedral, to where that document was sent. The cathedral is the greatest building of the age with a fascinating history and miraculous architecture but when we look closely, what does it reveal about that period? The event will be followed by a book signing.

Friday 18th September

Beehive Poets present Voices of Yorkshire 17:00 - 18:00 / The Orangery / Free, no need to book Fronted by Kevin Byrne, join Beehive Poets as they read from their latest anthology and highlights of their own work. The Anthology contains poetry from visiting readers and members and includes work by; Ian Dhuig; Mario Petrucci; Geoff Hattersley; Elizabeth Barrett; James Caruth; Gillian Alnutt; Gaia Holmes and others.

An Evening with Gillian Clarke 19:30 / Westgate Chapel / £10/£7 Don’t miss an evening of readings with poet Gillian Clarke, National Poet of Wales since 2008. Awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2010, the Wilfred Owen Award 2012. Her recent books include ‘Ice’, shortlisted for the TS Eliot Award 2012 and ‘The Christmas Wren’, 2014. Gillian is one of Wales’ most influential and widely read contemporary writers. She’ll be reading from a selection of works including work-in-progress, ‘Zoology’.

Introduced by Robert Powell, Associate Director, Beam.

‘Gillian Clarke’s poems ring with lucidity and power...her work is personal and archetypal, built out of language as concrete as it is musical.’ Times Literary Supplement.

Presented in Partnership with

Featherstone Library

A one day festival celebrating heroes, programmed by Beam with artist Rebecca Jenkins and a group of local volunteers.

Drop in to Featherstone Library between 10.30am and 3pm for a range of free, fun activities for people of all ages with our celebrated Local Heroes.

Browse stalls and have a go at printing and braille, or bring your own scraps of material and help make a unique ‘Festival of Words’ rag rug. Young Heroes can do arts activities and make superhero mask and badges. Find stories and poems hidden around Featherstone on the Reading Trail then join us back at the Library to enjoy Poetry Prowess.

Pop in and share your stories of colourful characters past and present with writer-in-residence Ian Clayton and help create A Featherstone Modern Mythology – a new telling of old stories.

Creative Writing Workshop with Ian Clayton

10:30 - 13:30 / Free, booking via Featherstone Library - 01977 722 745 Whether you’re already writing a book or are plucking up the courage to start writing for the first time, learn how to express yourself creatively with experienced writer and broadcaster, Ian Clayton. Presented in partnership with Wakefield Libraries.

Cuthbert Baring-North - Intrepid Explorer! with Rusticus Arts 11:00, 12:30 and 14:00 / Purston Park / Free, no need to book

Hapless adventurer, Cuthbert Baring-North, leads an expedition in Purston Park inspired by the great adventurers of literature with outdoor silliness for all the family in this storytelling performance. Please dress appropriately; children must be accompanied by an adult. Supported by Wakefield Council’s Neighbourhood Improvement Fund.

The Etherington Brothers’ Big Adventure Show

11:00 and 14:00 (workshops last 1 hour) / Free, booking via Featherstone Library - 01977 722 745 / 6+ Years Join creative double-act and graphic novelists, Robin and Lorenzo, for an interactive comic book workshop and learn the secrets of telling tall tales with words and pictures. Grab a free Etherington Brothers comic-making workbook after the session and get your copies of Long Gone Don, Monkey Nuts and Von Doogan signed and sketched!

Featherstone Young Writers’ Celebration Event 13:00 - 13:45 / Free, no need to book

Pupils from Featherstone primary schools share their new writing on the subject of ‘Heroes’ with a prize-giving for winning entries by the Etherington Brothers. The young people will also be recording their stories throughout the afternoon for a special ‘Festival of Words’ podcast to be shared after the event.

Murder Mystery Tea Dance with Rusticus Arts

16:30 - 18:30 / £5 (includes high tea), booking via Featherstone Town Council - 01977 722 654 Join ‘Ms Agatha Christie’ - celebrated crime writer - and help her finish writing her latest mystery. Dress up in 1940’s outfits in this fun tea dance with a difference, not to be missed! Presented in partnership with Featherstone Town Council.

Rugby Sporting Heroes with Scratching Shed Publishing

19:30 - 21:30 / £5, booking via Featherstone Library - 01977 722 745 Celebrate some of Featherstone’s great sporting heroes in a lively panel discussion hosted by rugby league writer Phil Caplan of Scratching Shed Publishing along with special guests.

Featherstone Festival of Words is supported by Arts Council England through its Strategic Touring Programme.

Saturday 19th September Lions, Tigers and Bears!

11:00 - 11:30 / Wakefield Museum and Library / Free Join storyteller Helen M. Sant for some traditional tales of these wild but loveable animals.

Bring your own bear or cuddly toy along to the teddy bears’ picnic! With interactive storytelling, as Helen brings alive much-loved stories. Suitable for children aged 5-7. Please contact Wakefield Library to reserve a place. Tel: 01924 305376 Email: wakefieldlibrarymuseum@wakefield.gov.uk. Presented in partnership with Wakefield Libraries.

How to Kick that Writer’s Block: A Creative Writing Workshop 10:30 - 16:00 / The Hepworth Wakefield / £15 / 16yrs+ Booking essential Fancy writing poetry or lyrics but don’t know where to start? Keep finding yourself with the dreaded writer’s block? Join Matt Abbott from of A Firm of Poets who will use scenarios, word generation exercises and literary devices, to teach you techniques for writing lyrics and poetry and performing it in a relaxed environment. Tel: 01924 247360, Email: hello@hepworthwakefield.org. Presented in partnership with The Hepworth Wakefield.

Trinity Heroes Saturday 19th, 11:00 - 16:00, Sunday 20th September, 11:00 - 15:00 / Trinity Walk Shopping Centre / Free, drop in KAPOW! BLAM! BOOM! Calling all superhero wannabes! Be inspired by your favourite comic book villains with graphic artists. Budding superheroes are welcome to our red carpet premiere event on Saturday 26 September, part of our special Children & Young People weekend. Supported by Trinity Walk Shopping Centre.

National Trust Nostell Priory & Parkland: Nostell’s Places in Your Words 11:00 - 15:00 / Nostell Priory & Parkland / Booking not required.

You’ll find countless views, vistas, rooms and spaces at Nostell Priory that inspire a sense of wonder, both inside and out. Whether it’s the scent and colour of the Kitchen Garden or the shine and splendour of the State Dining Room that sparks your imagination, come along to this day of creative writing and help us put Nostell into poetry. Normal admission charges apply (free to National Trust members).

Laura Barnett: The Versions of Us 14:00 - 15:00 / Wakefield Museum and Library / Free, booking essential ‘The Versions of Us’ is the multiple love story of one vivid, unconventional couple, that examines the different paths our own lives and loves might have taken. Laura Barnett is an author, arts journalist and theatre critic. ‘The Versions of Us’ is her first novel and was one of the Observer’s New Faces of Fiction 2015. Presented in partnership with Wakefield Libraries.

Yew Tree Youth Theatre presents ‘Just a Pretty Face’ and ‘Mugged’ 19:00 - 21:30 / Cathedral Academy / £5, booking via: info@yew-tree.com A double bill of drama performed by the talented young people of Yew Tree Youth Theatre. Just a Pretty Face

by Gemma Whelan is inspired by a photograph of the lost Miss Wakefield of 1935. ‘Mugged’ by Andrew Payne explores how the impact of an unexpected tragedy impacts on a group of young people. Please note contains strong language - suitable for 14yrs+.

Poetry Reading with Helen Burke 19:00 - 20:00 / The Orangery / Free, no need to book Helen Burke has been widely published and has read in both Europe and America. Her first collection was ‘The Ruby Slippers’, and her most recent collection is ‘Here’s Looking at You, Kid’. She will read from these two works as well as a new book called ‘Americana’. Come along and pack a squirrel, a ginnel, and an old tin hat as she takes you on her travels both old and new. Seed Fund Event.

On an Eastern Breeze 19:15 - 20:00 / Chantry Chapel / Free, please book An evening of oriental music and poetry performed by Sankakei - a trio of poets featuring Amina Alyal, Oz Hardwick and musician Michael Graham. Poems are written in English, but using the form of the Japanese Tanka style of verse, they are read over a background of soothing oriental music, played on traditional Japanese instruments. Seed Fund Event.

Literary Quiz with Quizzical Yorkshire 20:00 - 23:00 / The Orangery / £4/£3 Join stand-up comedian Sally Bigwood and a team of local actors from Hands On Arts as they test your literary grey matter in this fun evening celebrating all things relating to books. From the topical to the trivial, this evening will get you thinking so get swotting up and make sure you know your literary onions! All proceeds to charity. Teams of six; Individuals and couples welcome – we will find you a team! Seed Fund Event.

Throwing Mother in the Skip 19:30 - 20:30 / Red Shed / Free, no booking required Join Red Shed Poetry prize winner 2014 William Thirsk-Gaskill for a reading and launch of his debut poetry collection, Throwing Mother In the Skip. William will talk briefly about his creative process and writing experience and perform his new work complete with mock skip. Seed Fund Event.

Sunday 20th September Women’s Writes - Anthology Launch and Reading 13:00 - 15:00 / Mocha Moocho / Free, including refreshments, please book Join this Wakefield based women’s poetry group for the launch of a new anthology with selected readings by featured poets along with an open mic slot at the end to encourage new voices and new members to join the group. Poets in the anthology are Halima Mayat, Susan Darlington, Becca Murdoch, Tracey Yates, Clair Sophie Mason, Adele Cairns and Lucy Brennan. Additional food and drink will also be available to buy. Seed Fund Event.

Wakefield To Zambia 14:00 / The Orangery / £5 Be transported to Africa without leaving your seat with singer songwriter Ali Bullivent for a captivating performance of original poetical and lyrical music written in and about Wakefield, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Let African sounds mesmerise you as they merge with soulful acoustic melodies and beautiful harmonies take you all the way from Wakefield to Africa with Ali on guitar and Bruce Ncube from Zimbabwe on djembe and mbira. Guest appearances from Walton Community Choir and Jane Muller. Seed Fund Event.

Woodland Wanderings 16:00 - 17:30 / Newmillerdam / Free, no need to book Take a tranquil guided walk around the historical and picturesque lake and woodlands at Newmillerdam Country Park with selected readings of prose, poetry and local history with a woodland theme on your way to the listed Boathouse which is accessed by 8 steps. Meet at the car park, Newmillerdam, opposite the Fox & Hounds pub. Seed Fund Event.

The Drawings of Barbara Hepworth 14:30 - 16:00 / The Hepworth Wakefield / Free, booking essential Join Simon Wallis, Director of The Hepworth Wakefield as he chairs a discussion about the drawings of Barbara Hepworth coinciding with Hepworth exhibitions at the gallery and a major retrospective at Tate Britain and the publication of Alan Wilkinson’s The Drawings of Barbara Hepworth. Speakers include curator, Eleanor Clayton, Hepworth scholar, David Mitchinson and Roger Malbert from the Hayward Gallery. Tel: 01924 247 360, Email: hello@hepworthwakefield.org. Presented in partnership with The Hepworth Wakefield.

My Big Phat Writers Group present Short Phat Scripts 19:00 - 21:00 / The Orangery / Free, please book Join this Yorkshire-based writers group as they explore the work of writers for a fast and furious script scratch night. Experience raw and exciting new work by a variety of performers with script-in-hand as they reveal their work to the public. Seed Fund Event.

Monday 21st September A Year of Cake with Lynn Hill 18:30 - 20:30 / The Orangery / Pay what you like, please book Wakefield Clandestine Cake Club presents a talk with Lynn Hill on the history of the Clandestine Cake Club from it’s early beginnings in Leeds to global phenomenon. Take a journey around the world as we celebrate a year of cake and the release of a brand new book filled with delicious recipes from members and the author. Get your signed copy of ‘A Year of Cake’, meet members of the Wakefield CCC and sample freshly baked cakes.

Wakefield Civic Society presents: A Taste of Honey 19:30 - 21:30 / Major Hall, Unity Works / £6/£4 This black and white film released in 1961, is based on the play of the same name by Shelagh Delaney. Directed by Tony Richardson, it continues the Society’s series of film screenings (Kes, This Sporting Life) looking at northern life in the 1960s. It explores attitudes towards class, race, gender and sexuality against a backdrop of an industrial north (in this case Salford). Rated PG.

Tuesday 22nd September A Window to the Inner Self: The Letters of Esther Milnes of Wakefield, 1771-1773 10:30 - 12:30 / West Yorkshire Archive Service, The Registry of Deeds / Free Explore historical letters as a source of inspiration in the age of the email, text and tweet. Let West Yorkshire Archive Service Collections take you on a journey and find out about letters written in the 1770s

by Esther Milnes, widow of a leading Wakefield merchant and Esther Milnes, a young heiress, revealing the busy lives of the writer and her friend. Please book by contacting archives@wyjs.org.uk / 0113 3939774.

Presented in partnership with West Yorkshire Archive Service.

History Wardrobe presents Gothic For Girls 14:00 - 15:30 / Wakefield Museum and Library / Free, booking essential, 16yrs+ The dark drama of black in fashion, and the best of British supernatural stories.

With shiveringly beautiful costumes and readings from Jane Austen, the Brontës, Mary Shelley, Mrs Radcliffe... and coming right up to date with The Woman in Black.

Presented in partnership with Wakefield Libraries.

Tall Tales 2: This Time It’s Personal!

19:00 - 21:00 / Mocha Moocho / Free, no need to book Wakefield Word presents a new Tall Tales event. Members and invited guests perform short stories and poems with play scenes for audience participation. Plus music! For more info visit www.wakefieldword.weebly.com. Seed Fund Event.

The Anglo-Saxons and Why They Matter with Michael Wood 19:30 - 21:00 / Westgate Chapel / £10/£7 In the year celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, join leading historian, broadcaster and Lit Fest patron Michael Wood as he looks back before the Norman Conquest to find the real roots of English culture. The Anglo-Saxon period (450-1066) includes the creation of the English state as we know it with the regional government of shires and the establishment of charters and laws many of which still exist today. Introduced by Robert Powell, Associate Director, Beam.

Wednesday 23rd September

Animal Story Time with Lion Learners 9:30 - 10:30 / Featherstone Library / Free, no booking required Join in a special story time and meet and meet the animal stars – there could be a rabbit, a hedgehog and even a snake! Suitable for children under five. Presented in Partnership with Wakefield Libraries.

Free Spoken Word Taster Sessions For 16-25s

WE ARE project space, Wood Street / Monday 14th September, 18:00 - 20:00 (free, please book) The Art House / Monday 21st September, 18:00 - 20:00 (free, please book) If you’ve ever been one of those writers who has kept poems in bedroom drawers at home or just curious to give it a go this is the perfect chance to try your hand at spoken word in a fun and friendly environment. There will be the opportunity to see your pieces of writing created in the workshop published by being written across empty shop windows across Wakefield and/or performed at a special Word Life event on the 23rd September. Led by poet Joe Kriss and drama facilitator Gemma Whelan.

Word Life Featuring Mark Grist, Leeds Young Authors and Open Mic 19:00 - 21:30 / Unity Cafe Bar / Pay what you like, please book Word Life is one of the leading wave of literature nights that have ridden the rising popularity of spoken word in recent years by presenting some of the most entertaining contemporary poets on the live circuit. Tonight’s event features poet, teacher and rap battler ‘Mark Grist’ whose teacher vs student rap battle approaches 5 million views on youtube. He’s performed internationally, completed commissions for the likes of MTV, BBC, and appeared on Channel 4’s ‘Mr. Drews School For Boys’. Supporting is inspirational local troupe Leeds Young Authors who were the subject of the award winning documentary ‘We Are Poets’. There will also be performances from young people who have attended local workshops and a few slots will be available on the night for the open mic. Co-presented by WE ARE and somewhereto_.

‘An incredibly entertaining evening’ – The Yorkshire Post ‘One of The Purveyors of the new Literary Night Out’ – The Independent

Wacky Wednesday 10:15 - 11:00 / National Coal Mining Museum / Free, drop in Drop in to the National Coal Mining Museum for storytelling, singing and craft activities at Parkinson’s Yard and wacky craft sessions in the Learning Curve. Doors open early so why not explore the Nature Trail, discover soft play area and visit the ponies while you’re there. Presented in partnership with National Coal Mining Museum.

Peoples History and the National Story with Michael Wood 11:00 - 12:30 / Featherstone Library / Free, please book via Featherstone Library Join historian Michael Wood and delve into the history of England and reveal different perspectives on history and how every place has its part in the national story. Get a unique perspective on Featherstone’s rich past in this fascinating talk followed by a panel discussion hosted by Ian Clayton.

Tel: 01977 722745, Email: featherstonelibrary@wakefield.gov.uk

New Writing North in association with Sage Gateshead presents: The Man on the Moon Musical Workshop 16:00 - 17:00 / Featherstone Library / Free, please book via Featherstone Library A chance for mini astronauts to put on their space boots and chart a musical exploration through the galaxy. Sing songs from the show, create the sounds of a star cruiser and meet some dancing aliens and other members of Bob’s fan club. Based on the book ‘The Man on the Moon’ by Simon Bartram. Suitable for children aged 5-7 years. Tel: 01977 722745, Email: featherstonelibrary@wakefield.gov.uk Presented in partnership with Wakefield Libraries.

Uncovering Digital Fiction 18:00 - 19:15 / The Orangery / Free, no need to book Digital artists Andy Campbell and Judi Alston invite you to explore behind-the-scenes of their latest digital fiction/narrative game WALLPAPER, with an insight into One to One Development Trust’s award-winning project Dreaming Methods, where writing and new media converge. Follow WALLPAPER at www.dreamingmethods.com/wallpaper, Twitter #wallpapergame.

Thursday 24th September Get It off Your Chest!

13:00 - 15:00 / Agbrigg and Belle Vue Community Centre / Free, booking required Got something to say but don’t know how to express it? Pop along to this open workshop to develop your writing and spoken word skills. Tutored by John Irving Clarke, the workshop will be relaxed, friendly and participatory in nature. Learn about techniques for enhancing spoken and written points of view and get a free resource pack to take home. Seed Fund Event.

National Trust Nostell Priory & Parkland: Open Book Days 13:00 - 15:30 (Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September) / Nostell Priory & Parkland / Booking not required.

Nostell houses one of Yorkshire’s key historic libraries, with many beautiful books that are too delicate to exhibit every day. For two days of the 2015 Wakefield Lit Fest staff and volunteers will be on hand to reveal some of the hidden treasures between the bindings, including a handwritten recipe book by Nostell’s cooks, travel timetables, gruesome medical books, a 19th century guide to speaking Yorkshire and the gorgeously illustrated Gould’s Book of Birds. Presented in partnership with Nostel Priory. Normal admission charges apply (free to National Trust members).

Animal Story Time with Lion Learners 14:15 - 15:15 / Horbury Library / Free, no booking required Join in a special story time and meet the animal stars – there could be a rabbit, a hedgehog and even a snake! Suitable for children under five. Presented in partnership with Wakefield Libraries.

Poetry Reading with Gareth Durasow 18:00 - 19:30 / Waterstones / Free, booking required Join Gareth Durasow author of ‘Endless Running Games’ for a night of poetry for people who collected insects when they were kids and dreamt of becoming spies. These are poems for the console generation and will show you how to find the sonnet in computer code and phishing spam. Presented in partnership with Waterstones Wakefield.

An Evening of Nordic Noir with Simon Pasternak and Kenneth Degnbol 19:30 - 21:00 / The Orangery / £6/£4 Join former Observer crime critic Peter Guttridge for a discussion with bestselling Danish authors Simon Pasternak and one half of the writing duo behind Sander Jakobsen, Kenneth Degbol. Simon is the co-author of a bestselling crime series with Christian Dorph, and has co-written two feature films including the historical thriller, ‘The Idealist’. ‘Death Zones’ is his first solo novel. Kenneth Degbol and Dagmar Winther’s are currently working on their new book following the success of their debut novel, ‘The Preacher’, which has been published in 11 countries. A partnership event with the Danish Cultural Institute.

Red Shed Readings presents Cresties 19:30 - 21:00 / Eye Wood / £4/£2, please book via lippice@mac.com or call 07401 221299 A showcase of Red Shed talent with a continuous, scripted collection of poems and short stories, some set to music, on the theme of identity, exile, relationships, love and loss. Taking the form of a journey setting off from wherever we call home, through the experiences which shape us, nearer the end than the beginning where we might, hopefully, have learned something about ourselves. No visuals, no light shows, just words and music. Poetry, stories and music written and performed by Jimmy Andrex, Jane Steele, John Irving Clarke, William Thirsk Gaskill, Debs Robinson, Laura Potts, Keely Hodgson and Dom Bennison.

Seed Fund Event.

Children’s Writing Challenge Friday 25th September 17:30 - 18:15 / Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Wakefield Grammar School / Free Beam has worked in partnership with Wakefield Grammar School Foundation and poet Andy CravenGriffiths to offer a Children’s Writing Challenge to Year 5 pupils in Primary Schools across the Wakefield District.

Altofts Junior School, Carlton Junior & Infant School, Stockingate Mill Junior School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Moorthorpe, Walton Primary Academy, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (Junior School) and Wakefield Girls High School (Junior School) have all participated, submitting poems based on the theme ‘What I’d Change’, written on specially produced templates.

The shortlisted poems will be displayed at The Orangery during Wakefield Lit Fest and a digital version will also be available to view online on the Beam website, www.beam.uk.net.

The winners of the writing challenge will perform their poems to a live audience after attending a special ‘Winners Workshop’ with Andy.

Families can also attend the Nick Arnold Horrible Science Show at 18:30, please see following page.

25th - 27th September 2015 Get involved in Wakefeld Lit Fest’s very first weekend for children and young people!

Take part in workshops and special events and discover something new...

Friday 25th September

Nick Arnold and his Horrible Sciences*

18:30 - 20:30 / Queen Elizabeth Hall, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School / £5/£3 / u-16s If you think science is boring think again and prepare yourself for an explosive family event! Be amazed as Nick Arnold enthuses and educates audiences with his brilliant live ion. performance with all the squishy bits. Supported by Wakefield Grammar School Foundat

Trinity Heroes Premiere Eve

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Saturday 26th September

12:00 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 15:0 0 / Trinity Walk / Free, drop in / For all the family Big Read* Years 8 3 Pop / Free in t / s o Tri Venue le nity Walk Sat 19 & Sun 20th Sep 11:00 - 11:30 / Multip tember and ok ‘Dog Loves be transformed into a sup Take part in Lit Fest 2015 as we read the same bo erhero with free activities for ss es acro at venu chil e time dren he sam of a tes at t ll ag uise Ya es. T g’ by Lo hen Drawin , on Saturday 26th Septem ber t! n even our ow anise y com nd org e alo olved a ng a get inv t 12 or 2pm to our very own r the district. Why not ed carpet premiere event showing your superhero shots on the * hop rks big screen, as well as a sp Lyrics Wo ecial superhero appearan ce! se / £5 / 11-14 Years 13:00 - 15:00 / Art Hou rsting Supported by Trinity Walk. u have a song inside bu o yo r? D cto X fa he ‘ ot t Have you g ith p w sho ork at w e down to this gre Bed Time Stories to find its way out - com with Natalie Be ting skills. llingham* and hone your song wri ths 16 riffi :30 - 17:30 / Wa n-G ave y Cr And terstones / Fre e, please book Join storyteller N / 2 - 4 Years atalie Bellingham as she reads yo Comic Book Workshop* favourite bedtim ur e story ‘Oliver Wh o Would Not Slee 15:30 - 17:00 / Wakefield Museum and Library / Free, please book your little ones all b p’. Bring athed, in PJ’s and ready f / 8 - 12 Years or bed and we’ll Be inspired to create your own comic and meet the people behind provide milk, cookies an d a a reworking of local hero Charles Waterton’s life story written by good bedtime read. local historian John Whitaker and illustrated by John Welding.

Spoken Word Workshop with comic and writer, Kate Fox 16:00 - 17:30 / The Orangery / £5, please book / 14 Years+ Build confidence and have fun trying out ways of writing and performing spoken word and poetry. Interactive, practical workshop from an experienced slam and performance poet.

Sunday 27th September

Diary of a Wakey Kid

13:00 - 15:00 / Art House / Free, please book / 12+ Years Discover the joy of writing and keeping a diary. Brush up on your writing skills and meet a real life diary aficionado.

With Ben Davis, author of ‘The Private Blog of Joe Cowley’.

Bedtime Stories

How To Make (Awesom

e) Comics – W Wakefield Lib orkshop rary / 14:00 15:30 / Free, With Neill Cam booking esse eron, this is a w ntial / 7 - 12 Ye orkshop whe ars) generate (awe re Neill shows some) ideas f participants or comics, and comic story! how to then how to tu Neill Cameron rn those ideas is a cartoonist graphic novels into a an d w riter, creator of ‘Mo-Bot High’, the young ad ‘The Pirates o and the instru ult f Pangaea’ (w ctional ‘How To ith Daniel Hartw Make Aweso appeared in th ell) me Comics’. S e weekly child ince 2011 his w ren’s comic Th ork has e Phoenix.

16:30 - 17:30 / Mulberry House / Free, please book / 2 - 4 Years Pop on your PJs and join storytellers Alice Proctor and Berni O’Brien as they read favourite bed time stories. We’ll provide milk & cookies!

Yew Tree Youth Theatr e presents Robin

Hood* 18:00 - 19:00 / The Hep worth Wakefield Playgr ound / Pay what you can / 8 - 16 Years Centuries after the ori ginal Robin Hood is c laimed to have walked the str eets of Wakefield, the po or and oppressed people of the city are still in nee d of a hero, could newcom er Brin be just what they are looking for? Please bo ok via info@yew-tree.co m.

Activities are recognised by the Children’s University *Please note children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

Friday 25th September Well Women’s Centre presents Inspired By Goddesses 12:00 - 13:00 & 13:00 - 14:00 / Westgate Studios / Free, women only group workshop, limited availability, please book via sarahcobham@hotmail.com Immerse yourself in a ‘henge’ space formed by Goddess sculptures by artist John Harrison in workshops led by Sarah Cobham. All forms of creativity will be explored as participants respond to the goddess sculptures in a myriad of forms including dance, song, poetry, prose and art. Outside of the ‘henge’ space, female artists from across Wakefield have been invited to observe and respond creatively to what they see and experience inside the henge space. Seed Fund Event.

At the Coalface: The memoir of a pit nurse, Joan Hart and Veronica Clark 18:00 - 19:30 / The Orangery / Free, please book Join former pit nurse Joan Hart along with staff and objects from the National Coal Mining Museum, for an evening of reminiscence of her time tending the miners during a career spanning 46 years, many of which were spent as a pit nurse in Doncaster. Joan was respected by the men she cared for and often donned a boiler suit, pit boots and hard hat before going underground to treat her casualties. Presented in partnership with National Coal Mining Museum.

Women’s Voices Ring Out 19:00 - 21:30 / Westgate Studios / Free, limited availability, please book via sarahcobham@hotmail.com Join Sarah Cobham, poet, writer and public speaker for an open mic session focusing on women’s voice. Following the successful series of ‘Women’s Voices Ring Out’ events this is a unique platform for women to respond creatively to their experiences at Wakefield Lit Fest 2015. Singing sisters Satteli and poet Siobhan MacMahon are the featured artists. Please note this is a women only event. Seed Fund Event.

Black Horse Poets present Wakefield Alive!

19:30 - 21:00 / Wakefield Cathedral / Free, no need to book A poetry book about Wakefield – by local people! Learn about Wakefield and its Cathedral.

Write a poem at pre-Festival workshop. Return on performance night, read it and listen to others. Free, no need to book - for more info visit www.blackhorsepoets.weebly.com

Creative Writing Workshop: Creating a Character 14:00 - 16:00 / Wakefield Museum & Library / Free, booking essential Led by Debbie Taylor, editor, novelist, journalist, author of ‘Herring Girl’ and founder of Myslexia, the magazine for women writers this creative writing workshop will focus on creating a character. Presented in partnership with Wakefield Libraries.

Saturday 26th September How to Write, Produce, Publish and Promote a Book in 2015 12:00 - 15:30 / The Orangery / Free, please book Get the literary low down with Diane Hall, consultant, writing coach and developmental editor at this practical clinic on writing, editing, production and marketing for the indie/self-publishing author and those looking to secure their first publishing deal. Learn from author guest speakers, both traditionally published and self-published. The first six authors booking onto the event will get ten minutes 121 literary ‘clinic’ each to discuss their book/project with Diane. Everyone welcome. Seed Fund Event.

Artists as Living Books 14:30 - 17:00 / The Hepworth / Free, drop in Wander round the galleries and perhaps you will have a chance encounter with one of our living books; performers who will recite to you the words of Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Anthony Caro taken from their private diaries, letters and autobiographies. Performed by Wakefield’s award-winning Yew Tree Youth Theatre. Presented in partnership with The Hepworth Wakefield.

The Art House presents Maeve Rendle 18:00 - 19:00 / The Art House / Free, please book via the-arthouse.org.uk The Art House presents artist Maeve Rendle’s hour-long performance ‘On Summary In Freedom’. Nine people simultaneously, but unsynchronized, read aloud passages from Jean-Paul Sartre’s autobiography ‘Words’. A brilliant performance about free thinking, and the giving-way to literal interpretation.

Presented in partnership with The Art House.

Kate Rusby 19:00 doors / Unity Works / Tickets £22.50/£15 Winner of four Radio 2 awards, accomplished award-winning singer song writer, Kate Rusby performs a fine choice of much-loved classics from her extensive back catalogue stretching over two decades of music making. Witness Kate’s finely tuned songwriting skills and musical vocabulary along with a selection of new songs from her current album ‘Ghost’. Presented in partnership with Unity Works.

Kate Fox 19:30 - 20:30 / The Orangery / £8/£6 Join one of the North’s top stand up poets who has made numerous appearances on Radio 4, Radio 3 and is described by Sarah Millican as "Quirky, funny and a wonderful writer". Kate is currently doing a PhD about Northern stand ups, looking at how their wit and warmth distinguishes them from Southerners - or does it? Expect hilarity, funny poems and occasional thinking.

Lit Fest @ Red Shed For all Red Shed events, please book via shedwriting2015@btinternet.com Seed Fund Event.

11:00 - 11:30 / Free, no need to book The LEFT BOOK CLUB will open with a discussion of ‘The Establishment’ by Owen Jones: ‘Behind our democracy lurks a powerful but unaccountable network of people who wield massive power and reap huge profits in the process. In exposing this shadowy and complex system that dominates our lives, Owen Jones sets out on a journey into the heart of our Establishment.’

12:15 - 13:45 / Free, please book - Rugby League Legend – Brian Lockwood Join Rugby League legend and Lance Todd Trophy winner Brian Lockwood as he talks about his illustrious career in the greatest game. Brian will be joined by Tony Collins, author of ‘The Oval World: a global history of rugby’ the first worldwide history of rugby league and rugby union.

14:00 - 15:30 / Free, please book - Writing Workshop with April De Angelis Pens at the ready and take part in a workshop and talk with critically acclaimed playwright and recent writer in residence at the National Theatre. ‘For over 30 years, fuelled by feminism and her own experiences, De Angelis has reclaimed the stage as a place where female experience can be explored and celebrated.’ The Guardian.

15:45 - 17:15 / Free, please book - Writing Workshop with Neil White Join Wakefield’s very own bestselling crime fiction author for an afternoon workshop to hone your writing skills. A criminal lawyer by day and crime writer by night - discover more about Neil’s life and creative inspiration and maybe get the bug for writing your own crime novel. Everyone welcome.

Sunday 27th September Manasmitra presents Lullaby, The Singing Bowl The Orangery / Workshop: 11:00 - 11:40 / Free Performance: 11:45 - 12:30 / £5/Children Free (up to 5 yrs) Enjoy a unique musical experience with vibrant, meditative light projections.

Inspired by the Indian lullaby tradition in a contemporary exploration of night time sounds interspersed with lullabies from India.

Nine Lives by Zodwa Nyoni 15:00 - 16:00 / The Orangery / £5/£3, suitable for 12yrs+ Fleeing from his home in Zimbabwe where a fresh wave of homophobia threatens his life, Ishmael sought sanctuary in the UK. Dispersed to Leeds, he waits to hear his fate and for a new life to begin amongst strangers. Zodwa Nyoni threads together humour and humanity to tell the personal story behind the asylum headlines. Please visit the Lit Fest website for information about Nine Lives workshops.

Changing Faces by The Merry West Collective, Amy Charles and Rachel Watson Friday 18th September 19:00 - 19:15 / Westgate Chapel / Free Sunday 27th September 21:00 til late / The Orangery / Free Explore Wakefield as an evolving city through this creative collaboration of spoken word, performance and film by local artists Amy Charles and Rachel Watson. The poetic monologue will reflect and celebrate the diversity of the city, taking audiences on a verbal and visual journey of discovery. It will reveal Wakefield’s transformation from an industrial metropolis to a proud cultural and artistic city. Seed Fund Event.

Writers from Wakefield: Jane Steele, Debs Robinson & live music from Pete Rosser 15:00 - 16:30 / Odd Things Shop, Walton / Free, donations to Wakefield Hospice.

Relax with an afternoon of poetry with Jane Steele - writer and actress from Wakefield via Trinidad and Debs Robinson for whom poetry is a relatively new adventure along with musical performances by Pete Rosser, one half of the acoustic duo Truffleshack who will dust down his squeezebox for this one off gig.

Seating is limited so please arrive early and bring a garden chair.

Ian McMillan: Neither Nowt Nor Summat 19:30 - 21:00 / Westgate Chapel / £10/£7 If there were such a thing as a professional Yorkshireman, Ian McMillan would be it, described by Carol Ann Duffy as ‘world-class – one of today’s greatest poetry performers’. This hugely popular and entertaining poetry superstar returns to Wakefield Lit Fest to explore the meaning of Yorkshire – the theme of his new book ‘Neither Nowt Nor Summat’ followed by a book signing and festival wrap party at The Orangery.

‘A blast of fresh air’ – Observer

Wakefield Lit Fest Wrap Party 21:00 til late / The Orangery / Free, drop in To mark the end of Wakefield Lit Fest 2015 we want to go out with a bang so join the Lit Fest team and special guests for informal drinks, poetry and performance. Special guests include A Firm of Poets and a live poetry performance of Changing Faces by The Merry West Collective, Amy Charles and Rachel Watson.

Everyone welcome, no need to book.

Accidental Death – an exhibition by Rebecca Chesney 18-27 September / The Orangery / Free, exhibition open during festival events Uncover the story and characters behind a real life historical tale of an escaped bear who ripped at flesh and lashed out before being shot dead.

Wrapped up in this tragic tale are some unusual characters including a biscuit hawker, a plumber, a butcher, and a gardener. Unique to Wakefield, this episode took place in 1844 at the Zoological Gardens – the site of The Orangery. Uncovering new information Rebecca’s research reveals all the characters connected to this bizarre incident.

An exciting development for this year’s Lit Fest is our pop up craft bar and café, based in the Orangery and sponsored by Kirkstall Brewery. You can find us around the corner and down the steps from Wakefield Westgate Station.

This an opportunity to sample some unique beers and wines and contemplate the day’s literary enlightenment, or debate the merits of mixed metaphors over a fresh coffee and some artisan eats.

The bar will be open throughout the festival period as a Lit Fest hub – an informal and relaxed place celebrating the joy of reading, writing and words. As well as delicious food, there will be a book swap area and a literary themed art exhibition to enjoy.

Further details of the Orangery Arts Bar & Cafe events can be found on the Lit Fest website and on Twitter @wake_lit_fest or @kirkstallbrew.

The Orangery, Back Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TG / Trinity Walk Shopping Centre, Wakefield, WF1 1QS / Westgate Unitarian Chapel, Westgate, Wakefield, WF1 1XR / Featherstone Library and Community Centre, Victoria Street, Featherstone, WF7 1BB / Wakefield Library and Museum, Wakefield One, Burton Street, WF1 2DD / Newmillerdam main car park, Barnsley Road, Newmillerdam, WF2 6QP / Nostell Priory, Doncaster Road, Nostell, nr Wakefield, WF4 1QE / Unity Hall, Westgate Wakefield, WF11EP / Wakefield Cathedral, Westmorland Street, Wakefield, WF11PJ / Wakefield Labour Club (Red Shed), 18 Vicarage Street, Wakefield, WF1 1QX / Chantry Chapel, Wakefield Bridge, Calder Vale Road, Wakefield, WF1 5DJ / The Hepworth Wakefield, Gallery Walk, Wakefield, WF1 5AW / Odd Things Shop, Oakenshaw Lane, Walton, Wakefield WF2 6NJ / Queen Elizabeth Theatre & Hall, Wakefield Grammar School, 158 Northgate, Wakefield, WF1 3QX / Agbrigg and Bell Vue Community Centre, Montague St, Wakefield, WF1 5BB / Eye Wood, 2-14 Wood Street Wakefield, WF1 2ED / Mocha Moocho, 10 Cross Square, Wakefield, WF1 1PH / Purston Park, Featherstone, Nr Wakefield / Waterstones, 2 Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 1SP / The Art House, Drury Ln, Wakefield WF1 2TE / Mulberry House Nursery, Margaret Street, Wakefield WF1 2DG / WE ARE Project Space, 11a Wood Street, Wakefield, WF1 2EL / Cathedral Academy, Thornes Road, Wakefield, WF2 8QF

All tickets and reservations to be made through Unity Works Box Office, unless otherwise stated

Phone: 01924 831 114 Online: www.wakefieldlitfest.org.uk In Person: Unity Works, Westgate, Wakefield (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) Programmed and organised by:

Online: wakefieldlitfest.org.uk Follow us: @Wake_Lit_Fest Find us on Facebook: Wakefield Lit Fest Phone: 01924 215 550 Email: contact@beam.uk.net Funded by:

Wakefield Lit Fest would like to thank the following for their continued support:

Image credits: festival images; John Jowett and Jess Rowbottom; p.7 (C) Bowness, Hepworth Estate; p.14 Amy Charles Media.

All details are correct at time of going to print and are subject to change. Please note events and times are approximate.