Leigh literary festival 'the best yet'

Sell out events and well attended workshops ensured the eighth Words Literature Festival was a “fantastic success”.

Author Germaine Greer, rugby league commentator Ray French and local author Paul Finch were just some of the highlights of an eclectic mix of events taking place throughout the Leigh area.

Organiser Gillian Forrester said: “Words 2011 has been a fantastic success.

“The wonderful mix of artist, speakers, authors and poets has brought us much bigger audiences for our annual literary festival, with some events being sell-outs.

“The hard work of the volunteer management committee during the year and our 'friends of the festival' during the fortnight do such a fantastic job. This year has been our best festival ever.

“The Arts Council and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s support have also been key to this year’s success.”

Words Literature Festival blends local and national literary luminaries, provides workshops in scriptwriting and under fives storytelling sessions.

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s chief executive Stuart Murray said: “The Words Literature Festival has ensured an action packed two weeks which has opened many literary opportunities for people.”

Memorable moments from the festival also included the Dead Poets performing and a day of Folk ‘n’ Verse.

Organised by the Leigh and Wigan Words Together Committee and supported by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust this year’s event has been made possible following funding from Arts Council England.