Poets, writers, creative souls and lovers of language and storytelling will delight in this year’s Words in Winter lineup.
The Trentham festival has been fostering creativity and spreading the love of words since its beginning in 2004.
This year organisers have promised the festival’s most ambitious program yet with everything from writing workshops to evenings of sharing fascinating tales.
Words in Winter committee member Sylvia Johnson said the festival spanned several venues in the month of August with something for all ages and interests.
“This festival encourages people to have a lovely time with words,” she said.
“We hope people come out and really enjoy this event. This year is probably the most ambitious program we’ve had.”
Highlights of this year’s festival include a fine dinner and book launch with chef Annie Smithers, ‘Let the Instruments Speak’ where music and expression is explored, an exploration of word origins at ‘Chew the Fat’ and ‘Squirm’ where people will share stories designed to make you cringe.
Enjoy hearing tales from Trentham’s very own community at ‘I Have a Story to Tell’, with speakers including stories as varied as inspiring humanitarian work to thrilling storm-chasing.
Two writing workshops are also planned to get the creative juices flowing. Festival-goers can join poet and playwright Izzy Roberts-Orr for a poetry workshop or hone their skills in a writer’s workshop with The Dressmaker author Rosalie Ham.
Much-loved festival favourites will of course make a return including trivia pursuit and an afternoon of bush poetry, which is the roots of this very festival.
“This festival began with bush poetry and people reciting pieces at pubs,” Sylvia said.
“This is a festival for the local residents and surrounds. It fits with the local history of the town and area.
“It has strong country roots and has grown slightly and evolved over the years to include some dinners and other events. John McLaren has been the linchpin of this festival for years.”
Words in Winter is run by a volunteer committee with the support of the town and local sponsors. For a full list of events, details and bookings, visit the website: wordsinwintertrentham.org
