I am astounded at the attitude of Wiltshire CC (Highways) in yet again not allowing Mantonfest’s organiser Roger Grant to put up posters to advertise the event, one or can describe this attitude -‘joyless’.
The festival has been running for many years attracting audiences of 2000+ , not only from Wiltshire but far and wide – the event is well run and raises much needed funds for local charities each year and retains a modest float to kickstart next year’s event.
Roger, as many will agree, is very thoughtful as to where the posters are placed and in truth Marlborough is not overwhelmed with fly posting, thank god. Roger and his team are to be applauded for putting on Mantonfest each year and showcasing local talent as well as the headline acts.
The actual festival is a wonderful advertisement for ‘What goes on’ in Wiltshire and visitors of course will spend money in the local economy!
Marlborough Town Council needs to get involved as well as our three named County Councillors, the Highways officers need to demonstrate some commonsense as the Festival is obviously commercial as are concerts, car boot sales, the Mops etc also held locally – the list is endless.
With our wonderful country in such an economic mess everyone could do with a lift, Mantonfest is one answer.
Yours,
Colin Gratton
Chairman of Manton Village Hall Trustees
Marlborough LitFest 2026 Golding speaker is Sebastian Faulks
