£30,000 boost for Poole Literary Festival (From Bournemouth Echo)

£30,000 boost for Poole Literary Festival

9:00am Saturday 6th March 2010 in

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PLANS for a new literary festival in Poole have been given a £30,000 boost and backing from the Arts Council.

After a year’s work planning the high-profile event, the team behind the Poole Literary Festival has had its efforts rewarded with the substantial grant.

Elated festival director Sue Luminati, who got the news of the successful application on her birthday, said it had been a gruelling wait.

“We are now supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and intend to deliver a festival that lives up to this coveted endorsement.”

She said the small but dedicated steering group had been working “out of a biscuit tin”, but the grant meant they could now make their ambitious plans a reality.

“We aim to showcase a festival that Poole residents will be proud of. It’s full steam ahead,” she added.

A wealth of literary luminaries is already lined up for the event, which will take place from October 29 to 31, including former children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo as patron, and writers Michael Rosen, Dorchester-based Minette Walters, Gervaise Phinn, Deborah Moggach and Mavis Cheek.

Alongside the varied programme, the festival is also running a new media writing prize, in conjunction with Bournemouth University – the first of its kind in the country.

Marianne Pape, of Poole Arts Development Unit, Borough of Poole, said the event would give residents “the chance to meet authors and take part in inspiring activities, projects and events in schools and community venues”.

Elspeth McBain, CEO of Lighthouse, added: “I have no doubt this will become a highly anticipated landmark on the cultural calendar and put Poole firmly on the map of the literary world.”

More details about the initiative can be found on the festival website at poolelitfest.com.