The fourth annual Featherston Booktown will be held 11 - 13 May, 2018 and promises ‘the most exciting programme yet’ according to Featherston Booktown Trust Chairman, Peter Biggs.
The annual three day literary celebration featuring 25 events, is expected to draw 3,000 people to the Wairarapa, and will kick-off with the popular Featherston Booktown Fish ‘n’ Chip Supper, now a tradition and which attracts over 200 people, on 11 May at ‘Rose & Smith’ at the Tauherenikau Racecourse.
The South Wairarapa is home to several successful authors, poets and literary scholars and Featherston is known for its array of second hand book shops. At the last count, there are now six book shops in the vibrant town.
“A book festival seems like the perfect match and complements an already colourful calendar of vineyard, agriculture, music and community-themed events in the Wairarapa,” said Programme Director, Vanessa-Jayne Hunt.
Featherston is about to make its case to the international organisation of Booktowns to become an official Booktown. There are 22 official Booktowns in the world, spanning 18 countries.
“By definition a Booktown is a small rural town or village, close to major cities, in which secondhand bookshops are concentrated. Their residents curate book themed events - selling, writing, reading, illustrating, printing, making and publishing them.” she added.
The Featherston Booktown weekend will delight book-lovers with a wide variety of events presented by national and local literary personalities and an eclectic collection of second hand books will be for sale, in pride of place next to new book sellers.
Featherston Booktown Patron, Ms Joy Cowley ONZ, world-famous children’s author and an active supporter of Featherston Booktown since its inception, remarked
“We are very excited about this year’s programme. Featherston Booktown 2018 has attracted some “must see” literary figures and some terrific new inclusions such as how to invest in literature and collect books. There is also emphasis on activities for the little ones to ignite their interest in the written word.”
The Featherston Booktown Trust has mapped out a strategic plan which aims to develop a year-round calendar of book-related events.
“Now in our fourth year, Booktown has come a long way. We have secured solid financial backing from local authorities, national and local trusts and our community, both individuals and local businesses. As always, we deeply appreciate the whole-hearted support of the people of Featherston, especially our wonderful volunteers,” said Featherston Booktown Trust Chairman, Peter Biggs.
For more information visit www.booktown.org.nz or email info@booktown.org.nz
ENDS