Host of top figures set for Oswestry LitFest

Entering its seventh year, Oswestry LitFest is this time taking place "over a long lit weekend" from March 17 to 20 – rather than over a number of weeks as previous years.

Carrie Morris, festival director, said she believes this year's programme is its best yet.

She said: "We really wanted to energise the festival from all sides. Our first coup was bringing in guest director Cathy Renztenbrink who has been brilliant in pulling together the kind of author panels that you would only see at Hay – and here they are on our doorstep.

She's best remembered as a much-loved children's television presenter and as the mother of a pop star.

But now Janet Ellis is ready to bring her debut novel The Butcher's Hook to Oswestry LitFest.

The closing night on March 20 will see Miss Ellis - the former Blue Peter host and mother of pop star Sophie Ellis-Bexter - take part in a question and answer session on the book.

Miss Ellis, 60, said she has always wanted to write, but it wasn't until she started a course almost two years ago that the wheels got in motion.

"For me it was a question of having to overcome the fear, the laziness and all the other excuses."

According to Miss Ellis, improvisation is one of the key skills shared between acting and writing.

"As an actress I did so much improvisation, and I feel like that's a big part of storytelling too, so I'd definitely say there's a crossover of skills.

"I'm not a journalist but I've done my research, so I would improvise on a page but then I'd go back and check that was backed up by facts. I feel that's so important, especially when you're writing during an era.

"I've always been very lucky in my so-called career. I've done many daft things for the purposes of entertainment but one thing I do take seriously is my writing."

The novel is set during the summer of 1763 – Georgian London, an era she's taken great interest in reading up on.

The story centres on 19-year-old Anne Jaccob who is awakened to the possibility of joy when she meets Fub, the butcher's apprentice, and begins to imagine a life of passion with him. – although that's not the plan her parents have.

"It's a warped love story but involves an early feminist taking on the role of women in the 18th century. You couldn't communicate with your peers the way you can now, there was no Twitter and the like," she said.

She is now looking forward to being part of Oswestry LitFest.

She said: "I can't wait to bring my book here and to be around other writers, that's something I'm extremely excited about."

"Next, we wanted a bit of pizazz, so we're super excited to have stars from TV and radio on an amazing Star Sunday.

"Another innovation this year is Kid's Lit Day. The festival has always put great emphasis on inspiring the next generation through inviting storytellers and leading children's authors into local schools.

"But on top of that, on the Saturday, we are running a bevy of storytelling events across the town for toddlers and children to enjoy.

"Having now launched such a packed programme across four days, we're absolutely thrilled at the response with tickets selling like hot cakes. So it's roll on March – the whole LitFest team are looking forward to a memorable long lit weekend."

Highlights of the line-up include ex-Blue Peter star turned novelist Janet Ellis, who will be giving a question and answer session on the closing night – Star Sunday – on her debut novel The Butcher's Hook.

The festival will also showcase new musical theatre work on the life story of English poet and novelist Philip Larkin called Larkin' About, featuring Archers stars Sunny Ormonde and John Teller.

Following the success of the Wilfred Owen lecture at 2014's festival with Martin Bell, the event has invited poet, writer, playwright and broadcaster Owen Sheers to give this year's lecture.

It will be held in Holy Trinity Church in Roft Street, where Wilfred Owen, his mother and sister were all christened, on March 18 – Wilfred's birthday.

John Waine, festival founder, believes the lecture will be a worthy tribute to the life and work of the Oswestry-born poet and soldier.

"Wilfred's star has continued to rise and never more so than during these poignant commemorations of World War One," said Mr Waine. "One hundred years ago, Wilfred spent time training at Park Hall camp prior to leaving for France. He arrived on New Year's Day 1917. Only weeks after landing, he was in the thick of it and wrote one his most affecting letters to his mother, saying 'I have suffered seventh hell. I have not been at the front. I have been in front of it'.

"This is going to be a striking lecture, with Owen reflecting on the poetry and the legacy of Wilfred's work."

Aspiring writers have an interesting day in store on the Saturday with the inside track on writing and publishing.

The series is being curated by Cathy Rentzenbrink and begins with The Writing Chain, featuring the editorial director of Picador, Francesca Main, sharing how a book makes it through from initial draft to bestseller.

Authors Nina Stibbe, Damian Barr and Sathnam Sanghera will reveal the secrets behind putting your life on the page and getting it published.

Mrs Morris added: "The Oswestry LitFest has become a major part of Oswestry's cultural calendar, and without the generous support of these businesses and organisations, it would not happen, so our sincere appreciation and thanks must go to all the partners and volunteers."

To find out more about visiting Oswestry LitFest 2016 visit oswestrylitfest.co.uk