Over sixty Years 4 and 5 pupils from Marlborough St Mary’s CE Primary School sang their hearts out on the steps of Marlborough Town Hall today, Thursday September 28, to mark the official opening of LitFest 2023.
Watched by many parents, shoppers and members of the LitFest Committee, the children sang, “How far I’ll go” from the Disney film ‘Moana’ and “The Lost Boy” by Ruth B. which is inspired by the story of Peter Pan.
Genevieve Clarke, Chair of Marlborough LitFest, said, “We’re so grateful to Marlborough St Mary’s for giving us such a celebratory start to the festival. It puts everyone in a festival mood and really announces the festival to the town.”
Sir Simon Russell Beale, Patron of Marlborough LitFest, said, “This is a thrilling start to a thrilling festival. We’re already planning for next year. Marlborough LitFest gets bigger and better each time.”
Later today, at 4pm in the Town Hall, sixth-formers from St John’s Academy will be debating ‘Can male writers ever really write accurately about women in love?’ in front of a public audience. At 7.30pm the poet Daljit Nagra, will be at the Memorial Hall, Marlborough College.
Marlborough LitFest 2023 has expanded its children’s programme with free storytelling slots, craft activities and free author talks to local schoolchildren as well as a bumper crop of children’s authors on offer. On Saturday September 30th there are several free events for children including storytelling slots(for children aged 0-6) at The Parade Cinema (11am and 11.30 am) at Ducklings, the toy shop(12.30pm).
With more than 40 events during the weekend for all ages, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, workshops and children’s events, there is something for everyone. Tickets are selling well but there are still tickets available for some events, please call 0333 666 3366, buy online or pop into the festival bookshop, The White Horse Bookshop
Duty Manager for The Parade Cinema
