War Horse author Michael Morpurgo to open Oswestry festival

Michael Morpurgo will formally open Oswestry's fourth annual Festival of the Word on March 10. His book War Horse has became a global phenomenon and has been transferred on to the London stage and turned into a hit movie directed by Stephen Spielberg.

The prolific writer will join the line up of authors, poets and performers for the event from March 9 until March 19.

Former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion will close the 10 day event with a poetry performance alongside the Endellion String Quartet at Holy Trinity Church on March 19 as part of the Oswestry School recital series.

The festival programme will be officially unveiled on January 16 at The Walls Restaurant from 6pm at a launch party attended by award-winning actress, radio playwright and 2012 Booker long-listed author Rachel Joyce.

Festival director John Waine, from The Best of Oswestry website, said: "We have another exceptional array of new and established literary, performance and theatrical talent lined up this year.

"It's an eclectic programme covering literature, film, adult and children's drama, poetry, song, journalism, creative writing workshops, school events, town events, fairly priced and free events, morning, noon and night events.

"We hope we've got something for everyone, appealing to all age ranges and budgets."

Tickets for the launch event, featuring readings from Rachel Joyce, can be purchased from festival partner Booka Bookshop on (01691) 662244.

Tickets cost £8 and includes a glass of wine and nibbles, a discount redeemable against Fry's paperback novel on the night and an early bird discount on the festival's signature event tickets .

OsLitFest, as it is now known, is a unique collaboration between the town's arts and literature promoters including The Best of Oswestry website, Booka Bookshop, Oswestry School and Oswestry Library. It is supported by the Shropshire Council libraries team.