Wakefield Lit Fest gets underway

Wakefield Lit Fest is back in the city for a fifth year.

More than 60 activities, workshops and performances will take place at venues across the district.

The festival kicks off today and runs until October 2.

Frances Smith, principal consultant at Beam, which has helped to organise the festival, said: “We’re really excited about the festival this year.

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“Working with our fantastic festival partners, our ambition is to bring a fresh and dynamic programme that truly offers something for everyone.

“Since Beam programmed the first festival back in 2012, it has gone from strength to strength.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating our fifth festival with all our supporters, festival friends and audiences and hopefully welcome a few new faces along the way.”

For a full list of events at the festival, which is funded by the Arts Council England, and to book tickets, visit www.wakefieldlitfest.org.uk

TODAY

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Wakefield Lit Fet gets underway with the man from Featherstone writer Ian Clayton. He presents an evening of readings at The Red Shed at 7.30pm.

Pontefract Festival of Stories hosts a night of poetry and live music at the Tap and Barrel.

SATURDAY

Saturday is brimming with literary action for all the family.

Local writer and artist Claire Walker launches her new children’s book The Graffiti Web with storytelling and craft activities at Create Cafe 10.30-11.30am.

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Altofts ‘Lit Fest in a Day’ kicks off from 10.30am with free craft activities, pop-up readings, walking trail and performance by That Poetry Bloke.

This will be followed by a packed evening of spoken word with A Firm of Poets and Jimmy Andrex, local musical talent and Lit Fest favourite, stand-up poet Kate Fox.

Over in Pontefract, enjoy an evening of blues with live sessions and special guests at the Tap and Barrel.

The Hepworth Wakefeld presents a one-day symposium with Dr Sarah Turner and Dr Sam Rose investigating the religious beliefs of British artist Stanley Spencer.

SUNDAY

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Derek Landy, international bestselling author of Skulduggery Pleasant fame talks about the epic conclusion of the supernatural thriller, The Demon Road trilogy with Joe Kriss at Westgate Chapel, followed by a book signing.

Meanwhile, The Red Shed hosts an evening of socialist satirical comedy with Mark Thomas.