Altrincham Word Fest online

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor
Writer Neil Campbell. Photo by Gwen Riley Jones
Writer Neil Campbell. Photo by Gwen Riley Jones

1 — 8 October 2020 Entrance is free — Visit now

Now in its third year, Altrincham Word Fest was due in the world back in May but, of course, All This put a stop to that, so after some careful rescheduling of already booked participants, the festival returns in the autumn, running for a week 1 to 8 October. Details of the full programme can be found on the AWF website, but – to whet your appetite – here’s a selection of activities that will be taking place via Zoom.

Since its inaugural event in 2018, Altrincham Word Fest’s USP has always been a focus on participation – the two-woman organising team Anne Earley, an events manager and marketeer, and Yoko Isami, a printmaker and artist, have always selected their guest authors on the strength of their ability to encourage attendees to not only read, but also to write. So as well as listening to some of the North West’s leading writing talent, you can learn from them – and helping you put pen to paper and voices to microphones this year are experts spanning a variety of writing forms from poetry and flash fiction to short stories and novels.

On the workshop front, Neil Campbell will be dispensing top tips on writing autobiographical fiction. Hailing from and living in Manchester, the third novel in his “Manchester Trilogy”, Lanyards (a review of which can be found on the AWF website) recently joined Zero Hours and Sky Hooks. All three include much in the way of first-hand experiences, from putting up with dire bosses in McJobs to being a Man City supporter. Neil also has a number of collections of short stories and poetry pamphlets to his name, so expect advice a-plenty.

As well as listening to some of the North West’s leading writing talent, you can learn from them – and helping you put pen to paper and voices to microphones this year are experts spanning a variety of writing forms…

Other workshops include poetry with Reshma Ruia, whose most recent collection, A Dinner Party In The Home Counties, is critically acclaimed by the likes of Lemn Sissay. The festival also includes a number of talks, including one on writing historical fiction by Altrincham-based writer (and consultant lawyer) Carolyn O’Brien. Her debut novel The Song Of Peterloo was published last August with Legend Press, to coincide with the bicentenary of the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester, and was described as ‘vivid, gripping and so evocative’.

David Nolan, who – following his discussion last year about his thriller Black Moss with David Prior, editor of Altrincham Today – will this time round host an event entitled ‘David Nolan’s difficult second novel’. An award-winning author, TV producer and crime reporter, as well as his debut ‘Manc Noir’ novel, which came out with Fahrenheit Press in 2018, he has written numerous books on music and popular culture, including You’re Entitled To An Opinion, a biography of Tony Wilson, and I Swear I Was There, about the legendary 1976 Sex Pistols gig at The Lesser Free Trade Hall.

This latter works its way into the programme via a showcase of the Buzzcocks-inspired anthology Love Bites, which came out with local indie publishing house Dostoyevsky Wannabe at the back end of last year. There will be readings from the book by contributors including Tom Jenks, who’s been seen at previous incarnations of Altrincham Word Fest, and a discussion of the relationship between music and writing with author and editor CD Rose (also running an exciting workshop, Writing Through Music). The author of Who’s Who When Everyone Is Someone Else (Melville House, 2018), CD Rose has work in the Salt anthology Best British Stories 2018 and Comma’s Parenthesis, and in Gorse, Lighthouse and The Lonely Crowd magazines.

Also featuring in the Love Bites event is Creative Tourist Literature Editor Sarah-Clare Conlon, popping up again to host a flash fiction special, which will include readings of her own work plus an open mic. The inaugural Writer-in-Residence at Victoria Baths, she is a Salt Prize winner for flash fiction and Best British & Irish Flash Fiction listed, and her work has appeared in various journals, including Confingo, Flash, Lighthouse, PN Review and Stand. Join her for this unforgettable evening of the best new writing and spoken word – after all, what are those worried-over, hard-worked-out words without an audience?

Love Bites cover
Love Bites cover

1 — 8 October 2020 Entrance is free Visit now

Where to go near Altrincham Word Fest online

ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena
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Ibis Styles Leeds City Centre Arena

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Welcome to Yorkshire and Oulton Hall & Spa. Perfectly located to explore the whole of Yorkshire, situated only 2 miles from junction 30 off the M62 or Junction 44 off the M1. Standing within the beautiful Yorkshire countryside close to Leeds, Oulton Hall combines all the elegance of a mid 18th century mansion with the modern facilities you would expect for business and leisure, including, Champagne Bar, Drawing Room serving traditional afternoon tea, 2 restaurants, not to mention the 7 individually designed suites and the conference and banqueting facilities for up to 350 guests.

An incredible, mid 18th century mansion with breathtaking gardens, that has been lovingly restored and extended to create a hotel with a traditional character and unique charm offering everything a guest needs to ease the stresses of everyday life. Golfers will relish the challenge of the championship Calverley course, or why not treat yourself to a relaxing health and beauty treatment in the Spa at the Oul
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Oulton Hall and Spa

Welcome to Yorkshire and Oulton Hall & Spa. Perfectly located to explore the whole of Yorkshire, standing within the beautiful Yorkshire countryside close to Leeds.

Comprising 147 sophisticated rooms and suites, this Leeds accommodation offers the desirable combination of a city centre location and historical character. All rooms and suites include premium amenities such as free high-speed, wireless Internet, a mini bar, a flat-screen television, air conditioning, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Accessible, interconnecting and family rooms are available as well.Welcome to a brand new concept right on your doorstep. Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar boasts a Yorkshire style infused menu with a twist. The Grill House and Cocktail Bar serves guests in the heart of Leeds city centre at the Radisson Blu Hotel Leeds. Come absorb the comforting surroundings, coupled with the enchanting smells and woodiness of flavours coming from the kitchen. Enjoy your meal with expertly blended drinks from the cocktail waiters that will take you through the night. Experience an unparalleled dining experience at Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar. The
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Comprising 147 sophisticated rooms and suites, this Leeds accommodation offers the desirable combination of a city centre location and historical character.

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Leonardo Hotel

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Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall still remains a place where today's pressures seem an age away. Set down a long private drive Wood Hall is perched high on the hill set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.Set apart from the distractions of the office, Wood Hall is the ideal spot for business events, or simply some fresh thinking. The 2 AA Rosette Georgian Restaurant at Wood Hall Hotel creates a special atmosphere in which to enjoy a fine dining experience to mark a special occasion or just for the pleasure of it!Unwind in the spa, tone up in the gym, or step out and make the most of the beautiful Yorkshire surroundings. On sunny days you can dine al fresco with a specailly prepared picnic hamper in the Italian Gardens.
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