Literature festival returns for 32nd year in a row

A town's festival is back for the 32nd year in a row.

The seven day Swindon Festival of Literature begins on Monday and runs until Sunday, with events ranging from readings to open-air festival style performance art.

It has run since 1994, including a virtual festival in 2020 because of Covid-19, and focused on not only literature, but performance and art.

Professor Richard Dawkins, poet George Szirtes and impressionist Alistair McGowan were among the names set to appear.

The festival's founder, Matt Holland, who still runs it, said: "It's unbelievable - when we started it, we didn't think there'd be 32, but here we are and it's great."

There will be a total of 31 events over the course of the week, some of which are free to attend, while others carry an entry fee.

The first event on Monday is the Dawn Chorus, a free event at 5:30 BST in Lawn Woods near Old Town, with poetry, dance, music and lasts for an hour or more.

"Of all the events, it brings the biggest variety of people together," said Mr Holland.

The festival also manages to attract some big names.

The evolutionary biologist, Professor Richard Dawkins, will appear on Wednesday, as will the Kings Gold Medal for Poetry-winner George Szirtes.

Popular comedian Ivo Graham will take to the stage on Friday, as will impressionist Alistair McGowan.

There are 26 more events across the week.

"I defy anyone not to find something they like among the events," said Mr Holland.

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