Decision on future literature festivals

Kevin Kennedy at the 2013 Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival

Members of Rochdale Council Cabinet will decide next week whether the borough will hold two more Literature and Ideas Festivals. Library bosses want to stage more festivals after the success of last year’s festival but need £195,000 to do so.

It is hoped that festivals will be held in October 2014 and 2015 and will build on the success of the borough's first literature event.

The first Literature and Ideas Festival, which was held between Friday 25 October and Sunday 27 October 2013, attracted 4,500 people and included performances from poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, novelist Simon Armitage and ex Coronation Street actor Kevin Kennedy.

Councillors who are part of Rochdale Council Cabinet will be asked at their meeting next to sanction the two festivals. The bulk of money to fund the festivals will come from the Arts Council and a bequest which was left to Rochdale Council to inspire people into literature. It is expected ticket sales will then generate the rest of the money needed.

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Customer Services said: “Following the success of last year’s Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival, outline proposals have been put together for the event to return in 2014 and 2015. As yet no final decisions have been taken, but the plans will be considered by cabinet on 16 January.”