READERS and writers from across the Vale are ready to be entertained, enlightened and amused at this year’s Evesham Festival of Words.
The 2017 headline speaker is caterer, restaurateur, cookery writer and school owner and now novelist, Prue Leith.
She will be opening the main festival weekend with An Evening With Prue Leith, at the Town Hall, Evesham, on Friday, June 30.
Fellow authors on the main programme include Sunday Times best-selling author Susan Lewis; romantic novelist Phillipa Ashley; poets Rachel Kelly and Polly Stretton; short story writers Alexa Radcliffe-Hart and Helen Yendell; and, visiting from New Zealand, travel writer Trish Nicholson.
And to attract the attentions of the younger population, festival organisers have made this year’s tailor-made events for children free.
Sue Ablett, chairman for Evesham Festival of Words, said: “We know that keeping the youngsters entertained can be expensive and we hope that parents will bring their children along to the wonderful events we have planned for Saturday, July 1.
“All children love books, whether that’s fiction, fact, poetry or picture, kids just can’t get enough of them.
“Our free events are aimed at readers of all abilities and we’re even providing complimentary tea and coffee for parents whilst they look on as stories unfold. Obviously, space is limited and although tickets are free I would recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
“Until the Festival was born in 2016 our local talent was forced to find their creative outlets in other towns and cities, but that’s no longer the case. The Festival’s short story competition plays a big part, winners and short listed stories are included in both the hard copy festival anthology and also the Talking Newspaper, a local initiative for the visually impaired
“Our fringe programme, which runs pretty much throughout the year is another big hitter.
“Offering regular workshops and presentations, many of which are free to attend, its headline opener, on Friday, May 19, is Ian McMillan and Tony Husband’s A Cartoon History of Here, an hilarious evening of comedy and cartooning which will have you chuckling throughout. 
“Whether you’re a reader, writer, old or young there will be something of interest for everyone.”
The main festival opens on Friday, June 30, and runs until Sunday, July 2, when The Odditorium by David Bramwell and Jo Keeling, will play out at the Town Hall.
Details of the full programme, together with further information about the contributors and online ticketing, is available at eveshamfestivalofwords.org, by contacting Sue Ablett at info@eveshamfestivalofwords.org or by calling 07871 285606.