Conversation, smiles and camaraderie returned to Barkway in response to the success of the village's first literary festival.
%image(15562276, type="article-full", alt="Litfest - Alison Bruce at the book signing. Picture: Karyn Haddon")
In total, six local authors addressed young and old throughout the day covering multiple genres, culminating with Jeffrey Archer addressing a capacity audience.
%image(15562280, type="article-full", alt="Litfest - Jeffrey Archer speaks to the audience.")
Barkway publisher Elena Mannion, owner of Pikku Publishing, was said to be "formidable" at harnessing contacts and knowledge from a career working within the literary world.
%image(15562283, type="article-full", alt="Litfest - "Over My Dead Body" by Jeffrey Archer.")
Barkway Lit Fest coincided with Royston Arts Festival, a relationship that organisers say will grow over time.
%image(15562287, type="article-full", alt="Litfest - Alison Bruce at the book signing.")
The event included social media promotion courtesy of 18-year-old Ellie Sizer, hospitality by 21-year-old Lizzy McKay and printing by veteran Pat Leighton.
Planning is underway for 2022, in collaboration with Royston Art Festival, David’s bookshop of Letchworth and Cambridge 105 radio. See www.barkwaylitfest.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here