Ilminster Literary Festival 2018

I have always been an avid reader and need no encouragement to get my nose stuck into a good book. On average, I plough my way through a book a week; I even rate my holidays by the number of books I get to read. Hence my shock on discovering that research undertaken in 2017 has revealed that in the UK less than 1 in 4 people have read a book in the last 12 months. A sad reflection of our modern-day society. Thankfully, the popularity of local literary festivals, along with World Book Day, is helping to turn the tide.

As Ilminster gears up for its 3^rd annual literary festival it has given me pause for reflection, particularly in relation to the enormous amount of work that goes into pulling it all together. One of the joys, and the challenges, lies in the planning of the programme.

Whilst the attendance of well-established literary figures certainly gains interest and helps to draw in the crowds, the Lit Fest also provides the opportunity for up and coming authors to showcase their latest literary masterpiece.

When it comes to gaining the attention of a local audience across the full spectrum of ages and interests, the BBC’s own mission statement to ‘Inform, Educate and Entertain’, seems most pertinent. That, combined with a little audience participation thrown into the mix, and a bevvy and a bite, is surely the perfect recipe for a successful event. The large number of positive comments from the last two Lit Fests bears this out. It is a process of engagement with the audience and authors alike, responding to their observations; selecting appropriate venues to set the scene can play a key part in the final outcome.

When attending an event or activity myself I always feel that if in exchange for giving up my time, and money, I can come away with having enjoyed myself whilst learning something new then it has been time well spent.  We are all inclined to repeat something if we have gained pleasure from the experience.

The first Ilminster Literary Festival, in 2016, the brain child of Brenda Lake, proved to be a great success. Now in its third year, with a little tweaking as we go along, it is heartening to see that authors are now chomping at the bit to find a place on the programme.

The 2018 Ilminster Literary Festival……. there really is something for everyone……  including veteran quizzers.... as quizmaster I have just put the finishing touches to this year's challenge, to be held at Donyatt VH on May 11th.