Plymouth Festival of Words

Date: 4th – 7th May
4 May: 13:00-19:30
5 May: 13:00-20:00
6 May: 11:00-20:30
7 May: 13:00-19:30

Venue: Various venues, Plymouth University

Celebrating literature and ‘words’ through a diverse range of art forms including theatre, film and more

A Star Wars actor, a Booker Prize shortlisted author, and the acclaimed director of one of the 1980's iconic black comedies – what’s not to love about the Plymouth Festival of Words?

Building on the success of the Plymouth International Book Festival, Plymouth Festival of Words celebrates words in all their forms including literature, poetry, theatre and more. Launching Plymouth History Month, it showcases an eclectic blend of nationally and internationally renowned writers and artists, alongside a rich community programme coordinated by WonderZoo, involving literary groups from across the city and region, and the announcement of the 2017 Plymouth Mayflower Young City Laureate.

The Festival includes celebrated film director and screenwriter, Peter Greenaway – and his stunning film, The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover; highly acclaimed writer, Michèle Roberts who will introduce her new novel, A Walworth Beauty, set in Victorian London; international writers Fereshteh Ahmadi and Irenosen Okojie; performances from Helen Chadwick Song Theatre, Joan Ellis and Star Wars actor, Michael Pennington; workshops by Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award creator, Cathy Galvin and a celebration of the South West writer, Charles Causley.

The programme also includes the Society for Storytelling’s annual gathering, bringing professionals storytellers from across the UK to Plymouth for a weekend of storytelling through music, dance, interactive workshops and talks.

The Plymouth Festival of Words is a partnership between Literature Works, the literature development agency for the South West, Peninsula Arts at Plymouth University, Plymouth City Council (Arts and Heritage), and is supported by Arts Council England.