Over sixty Year 4 pupils from Marlborough St Mary’s CE Primary School sang their hearts out on the steps of Marlborough Town Hall today, Thursday September 25th, to mark the official opening of LitFest 2025.
Watched by many parents, shoppers and members of the LitFest Committee, the children gave a word perfect, enthusiastic performance of The Lost Boy from Peter Pan and Call from Narnia.
Mary-Vere Parr, chair of Marlborough LitFest, said,“ We are so excited to have St Mary’s children here to sing for us on this lovely sunny morning. We’re so grateful to the staff and pupils for all the hard work they’ve put in preparing for the event and 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.”
Russell Goodman, Headteacher of Marlborough St Mary’s, said, “Reading for pleasure sits at the heart of our curriculum at St Mary’s. LitFest is a wonderful opportunity for our children to share their love of reading and to show how proud they are of our fabulous town.”
Later today, at 4pm in the Town Hall, sixth-formers from St John’s Academy will be sharing their views on whether it is ever morally right to censor literature. At 7.30pm, also in the Town Hall, John Suchet, journalist and doyen of classical music, will be speaking about his latest book In Search of Beethoven.
Marlborough LitFest 2025 has a large children’s programme with free storytelling slots, craft activities as well as a bumper crop of children’s authors on offer. On Saturday September 27th there are several free events for children including story and craft activities at The Parade Cinema (1pm to 4pm). On Sunday at 10 am in the White Horse Bookshop there is a solo performance by Lizzie Lewis from Tall Tales Theatre of Marina Sets Sale, a sea – faring adventure full of courage and heart! There is also a free trail around the High Street to find book clues in shops – pick up a leaflet in the White Horse Bookshop. Click here for more information about children’s events.
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
‘Sponsor Day’ for supporters of the Marlborough Bowls Club
