What's On - Event Details
Women and Words present Women at War: Fact and Fiction
Date: Thursday 18 March
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Venue: Jacob’s Well, Trinity Lane
Cost: £2.50 with refreshments, pay on the door
Info/Booking: fionamwynne@btinternet.com
Group members read their own work on the theme of Women at War. Visitors welcome.
Launch of Lost Books by Adrienne J Odasso
Date: Thursday 18 March
Time: 6.30 pm
Venue: Oxfam Bookshop, Low Petergate
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: Tickets free from Oxfam bookshop 01904 652749 oxfamshopf0608@oxfam.org.uk
Adrienne reads from her new poetry collection Lost Books with some additional guests.
Amanda Vickery presents Behind Closed Doors: At Home in Georgian England
Date: Thursday 18 March
Time: 7.30 pm
Venue: Fairfax House, Castlegate
Cost: £12 (£10 for friends and members) Price includes free soft drink or glass of wine
Info/Booking: Tickets from Fairfax House, 01904 655543
The official launch event for York Literature Festival 2010 is a joint venture between the Festival, Yale University Press and Fairfax House, one of England’s most celebrated Georgian Houses. Amanda Vickery, Professor of History, Royal Holloway, University of London, reads from Behind Closed Doors: At Home in Georgian England. The book brings to life the world of Georgian society.
Poetry, storytellers and songwriters open session
Date: Thursday 18 March
Time: 9.00 pm
Venue: The Rook and Gaskill Pub, Lawrence Street
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: 07973681401 danielwebster22@hotmail.com
An open mic night for musicians, writers, poets and storytellers, hosted by Dan Webster. A free drink for all performers.
F. Mary Callan author of Sharing the Pain and Read a Book a Month bible series
Date: Friday 19 March
Time: 1.30 pm
Venue: Holy Trinity Church, Micklegate
Cost: Free but with optional donation to the church
Info/Booking: 01904 653836 dunedesertplanet@btinternet.com
Part 1: Sodom & Gomorrah to the twin towers - dramatic inside reports from ancient disasters and Part 2: Did Paris get it wrong - new poems about the Greeks’ idea of woman.
Miles Cain: Songs and Poems
Date: Friday 19 March
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: Oxfam Bookshop, Low Petergate
Cost: £3.00
Info/Booking: Tickets available from Oxfam bookshop 01904 652749 oxfamshopf0608@oxfam.org.uk or milesinyork@hotmail.com
York-based writer and musician Miles Cain will perform a selection of songs and poems. His debut novel, A Song For Nicky Moon, has been shortlisted for The Times/Chicken House Children’s Novel Award. Miles will read from the novel.
York Poetry Society
Date: Friday 19 March
Time: 7.30 pm
Venue: Jacob’s Well, Trinity Lane
Cost: £2 paid on door
Info/Booking: Patricia Ruddle 01904 783850 leeruddle@btinternet.com
Harry Chambers will be talking to York Poetry Society and introducing the work of some of the many poets he published as Director of Peterloo Poets including John Whitworth and Elma Mitchell. He will be joined by prize winning poet Ann Drysdale.
Talk with Q&A session featuring Judith Murray
Date: Saturday 20 March
Time: 2.00 pm
Venue: Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate
Cost: £2 with free drink, pay on the door
Info/Booking: www.greeneheaton.co.uk
Judith Murray worked as an editor at a number of publishing houses for many years, before she joined the Greene & Heaton literary agency in 1995. Among the authors she represents are Sarah Waters, Andrea Gillies, Mark Barrowcliffe and Maeve Haran. She regularly gives talks on the role of an agent and how to get published to students of creative writing courses and at literary festivals.
Pennine Poets
Date: Saturday 20 March |
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The Living Middle Ages
Date: Saturday 20 March
Time: 3.00 pm
Venue: All Saints Church, North Street
Cost: Free but donations to the church are welcome
Info/Booking: dr_oz@dr.com
Medievalists and poets Oz Hardwick and Adrienne Odasso read a selection of medieval verse, along with their own work inspired by the Middle Ages, in one of the country’s finest parish churches of the period.
The Curse of Lassie
Date: Saturday 20 March
Time: 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Venue: York St John University De Grey Court (Room 017 Lecture Theatre), Lord Mayor’s Walk
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: Online bookings: www.yorksj.ac.uk/events, tel: 01904 876433
Local author Greg Christie talks about Eric Knight, the man behind Lassie, one of the world’s most famous dogs. Greg will also talk about his own story of discovering Eric’s amazing life story.
Talk and readings with Q&A session featuring Glyn Maxwell
Date: Saturday 20 March
Time: 6.00 pm
Venue: Waterstone’s, High Ousegate
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: www.glynmaxwell.com Waterstones 01904 628740
Glyn Maxwell is a poet and playwright who has won many prizes including an Eric Gregory award. He was shortlisted twice for the Whitbread Poetry Prize, and his latest collection Hide Now was shortlisted for the 2009 Forward Prize. His new opera The Lion’s Face, examining the world of Alzheimer’s Disease, will be premiered at the Brighton Festival in May 2010, followed by a UK tour.
A Pen to Paper Performance
Date: Saturday 20 March
Time: 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm
Venue: The Studio (downstairs), Millers Yard, Gillygate
Cost: £4
Info/Booking: Lizzi Linklater 07855456574 e.linklater@ntlworld.com
A performance by members of Pen to Paper, a local creative writing group.
York Literary Walk
Date: Sunday 21 March
Time: 10.30 am & 2.00 pm
Venue: Each walk starts at the gates of Museum Gardens near Lendal Bridge
Cost: £5.50 (£5 concs)
Info/Booking: 01904 622303 www.yorkwalk.co.uk
A fascinating look at authors and books connected to York; from Alcuin to Atkinson, including a visit to Auden’s birthplace.
Dreamcatcher Open Mic event for World Poetry Day
Date: Sunday 21 March
Time: 6.00 pm
Venue: Minster Inn, Marygate
Cost: £2
Info/Booking: www.dreamcatchermagazine.co.uk
Participants are invited to share poems, stories and songs from other cultures, in celebration of World Poetry Day.
Creative Writing Skills Workshop
Date: Monday 22 March
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Venue: York St John University, De Grey Court (Room 123), Lord Mayor’s Walk
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: e.davenport@yorksj.ac.uk 01904 876408 Booking essential. Meet at Holgate reception.
For anyone over 18 interested in writing, this tutor-led workshop will inspire and develop your writing skills. Also find out about creative writing at York St John University.
Jim Crace reads from All That Follows
Date: Monday 22 March
Time: 6.00 pm
Venue: Waterstone’s, High Ousegate
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: www.jim-crace.com Waterstone’s 01904 628740
Jim Crace was born in Hertfordshire in 1946. In 1986 his first book, Continent, won the Whitbread First Novel Award, the David Higham
Prize for fiction and the Guardian Fiction prize. His other books include Arcadia, Quarantine and Being Dead, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. In 1999 Jim Crace was elected to the Royal Society of Literature. His new novel, All That Follows, will be published in April 2010.
Song of the Nightingale featuring Robert Nightingale
Date: Monday 22 March
Time: 7.30 pm
Venue: The Black Swan, Peasholme Green
Cost: £4
Info/Booking: robnight@supanet.com 07853244188
An evening of quirky, irreverent, intelligent but highly entertaining songs written and performed at the piano by Robert Nightingale.
Literary Lite Bite with Writers Together
Date: Tuesday 23 March
Time: 12.30 pm - 2.30 pm
Venue: St George’s Methodist Church, Millfield Lane, Tang Hall
Cost: £1.50
Info/Booking: info@writerstogether.co.uk Mary 01904 413662
Join us for light refreshments and listen to readings from Writers Together, who will share work with pathos and humour.
Crafting Your Poem with Alan Gillott
Date: Tuesday 23 March
Time: 1.00 pm
Venue: The Black Swan, Peasholme Green
Cost: £10 for one workshop; £18 for two (see linked workshop below). Price includes a
light meal, a complementary book and a copy of your video from session two.
Info/Booking: Reservations should be made in advance with Rose Drew, 01904 733767 or rose@stairwellbooks.com
Modern poetry is not all rhythm and rhyme. This workshop, led by Alan Gillott, will help you structure your poem to make it more powerful. Places are limited.
Performing Your Poem with Rose Drew
Date: Tuesday 23 March
Time: 3.30 pm
Venue: The Black Swan, Peasholme Green
Cost: £10 for one workshop; £18 for two (see linked workshop above). Price includes a
light meal, a complementary book and a copy of your video from session two.
Info/Booking: Reservations should be made in advance with Rose Drew, 01904 733767 or rose@stairwellbooks.com
Effective performance ensures the listener hears what you’re saying. Bring two poems of your own. Participants can be videoed. Places are limited.
An afternoon with The Writers @ York Library (Please note the venue - this is NOT at York Library)
Date: Tuesday 23 March
Time: 2.00 pm
Venue: Waterstones, High Ousegate
Cost: Free but please book by phone
Info/Booking: Lizzi Linklater 07855456574 e.linklater@ntlworld.com
Readings of poetry, prose and scripts.
Creative Writing Skills Workshop
Date: Tuesday 23 March
Time: 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm
Venue: York St John University De Grey Court (Room 120), Lord Mayor’s Walk
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: Booking essential. Meet at Holgate reception e.davenport@yorksj.ac.uk 01904 876408
For anyone over 18 interested in writing, this tutor-led workshop will inspire and develop your writing skills. Also find out about creative
writing at York St John University.
York Amnesty International present Freedom for Sale by John Kampfner
Date: Tuesday 23 March
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: Quaker Meeting House, Friargate
Cost: £3 on the door, all proceeds to go to Amnesty International
Info/Booking: jkdono@tiscali.co.uk
John Kampfner is one of Britain’s most prominent political writers. Previous Editor of the New Statesman and now Chief Executive of the Index on Censorship. In his new book Freedom for Sale he tackles the erosion of the traditional assumptions and securities of the Western world’s political and ideological supremacy. Part of York Amnesty International’s Writers on Rights series.
Slim Knows Time
Date: Tuesday 23 March
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: Dean Court Hotel, Duncombe Place
Cost: £25 includes supper
Info/Booking: 01904 625082 www.deancourt-york.co.uk
Adrian Spendlow, storyteller and poet, invites you to join him for supper. He will serve up his own unique mix of beat poetry and free verse, including work by Ginsberg, Kerouac, Whitman and Plath.
Sufi poetry with Paul Sutherland and Afifa Emutallah
Date: Tuesday 23 March
Time: 7.30 pm
Venue: Bar Convent, Blossom Street
Cost: £5
Info/Booking: paulsuther@hotmail.com
Poetry inspired by the Islamic mystic tradition from writers who convey with precision and beauty their own spiritual experiences.
The Secret of Sherlock Holmes
Date: Tuesday 23 - Saturday 27 March
Time: 7.30 pm every night (matinees at 2.00 pm on Thurs & 2.30 pm on Sat)
Venue: York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place
Cost: £10 - £18, Students and under 26s £5.00
Info/Booking: 01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
The Secret of Sherlock Holmes is an exciting theatrical journey into the mind of Sherlock Holmes and his relationship with the two most significant people in his life - his greatest friend, Dr Watson, and his deadly enemy, Professor Moriarty. A dramatic tour de force.
Robert Dinsdale
Date: Wednesday 24 March
Time: 6.00 pm
Venue: Waterstones, High Ousegate
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: www.faber.co.uk/author/robert-dinsdale/ Waterstones 01904 628740
Robert Dinsdale was born in North Yorkshire in 1982. His first novel, The Harrowing, tells the tragic tale of two brothers from Leeds
during the First World War and is influenced by the Cain and Abel story.
Book launch of new crime novel by Rebecca Jenkins
Date: Wednesday 24 March
Time: 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm
Venue: York St John University (C4C Chapel), Lord Mayor’s Walk
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: Online bookings: www.yorksj.ac.uk/events Tel enqs: 01904 876433 James Alexander
York St John University Royal Literary Fellow and writer in residence Rebecca Jenkins will launch her new crime novel Death of a Radical featuring detective F.R. Jarratt.
York Poetry Workshop
Date: Wednesday 24 March
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: Oxfam Bookshop, Low Petergate
Cost: Free of charge. Free glass of wine
Info/Booking: Margaret Speak 01904 708682
Readings by members of the York Poetry Society followed by an open mic session.
York Writers present their own work
Date: Wednesday 24 March
Time: 8.00 pm - 10.00 pm
Venue: Yorkshire Terrier, Stonegate
Cost: £2
Info/Booking: clintwastling@aol.co.uk www.yorkwriters.org.uk
An evening of poetry and prose from York’s longest running writers’ group – something to suit everyone!
Creative Writing Skills Workshop
Date: Thursday 25 March
Time: 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm
Venue: York St John University, De Grey Court (Room 233), Lord Mayor’s Walk
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: e.davenport@yorksj.ac.uk 01904 876408 Booking essential. Meet at Holgate reception
For anyone over 18 interested in writing, this tutor-led workshop will inspire and develop your writing skills. Also find out about creative
writing at York St John University.
Sheikhs, Parrots & Wine: A Rumi Workshop with Amina Ayal
Date: Thursday 25 March
Time: 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Venue: Millers Yard, Gillygate
Cost: £3.50
Info/Booking: 07717471708 amina.ayal@ntlworld.com
Introducing the poetry of Rumi, the influential twelfth-century Persian Sufi poet. Participants will then write their own poems, drawing inspiration from Rumi’s motifs, structures and ideas.
Kate Atkinson in conversation with Roger Clark
Date: Thursday 25 March
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: York St John University, De Grey Court Lecture Theatre, Lord Mayor’s Walk
Cost: £5.00 from York
Info/Booking: Theatre Royal box office: (01904) 623568. Places limited email: boxoffice@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
When we surveyed York Literature Festival audiences in March 2009, the author they most wanted to see at the Festival was Kate Atkinson. So here she is! The author of Behind The Scenes At The Museum and the hugely popular Jackson Brodie novels returns to York to talk about the writing process, and will be in conversation with Roger Clark of York St John University.
Storytelling alive!
Date: Friday 26 March
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Venue: York St John University (Temple Hall), Lord Mayor’s Walk
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: e.davenport@yorksj.ac.uk 01904 876408 Meet at Holgate Reception
How to share storytelling time with your toddler, making it an interesting and thrilling experience. Aimed at parents and carers of young children.
York Literary Walk
Date: Friday 26 March
Time: 10.30 am & 2.00 pm
Venue: Each walk starts at the gates of Museum Gardens, near Lendal Bridge
Cost: £5.50 (£5 with York Card) Can book in advance at Tourist Information, but this is
not necessary
Info/Booking: Warwick Burton 01904 622303 www.yorkwalk.co.uk
A fascinating look at authors and books connected to York; from Alcuin to Atkinson, including a visit to Auden’s birthplace.
Reading and signing session featuring Andrea Gillies
Date: Friday 26 March
Time: 5.00 pm
Venue: Unitarian Chapel, St Saviourgate
Cost: £2 incl glass of wine. Pay on the door
Info/Booking: www.shortbooks.co.uk/author.php
Andrea Gillies is the 2009 Wellcome Trust Book Prize-winning author of Keeper, a moving, humorous account of caring for her
mother-in-law who has Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in York, she now lives in Scotland.
Readings by Tanya Nightingale and Adrienne Odasso
Date: Friday 26 March
Time: 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Venue: Exhibition Hotel, Bootham
Cost: £3 normal, £2 concessions
Info/Booking: ajodasso@googlemail.com 07999787738
Evening of poetry and short stories performed by Tanya Nightingale and Adrienne Odasso.
Jon McGregor
Date: Friday 26 March
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: York St John University, De Grey Court Lecture Theatre, Lord Mayor’s Walk
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: Vanessa Simmons 01904 876433 Online bookings: www.yorksj.ac.uk/events
Booker-prize nominated author Jon McGregor will speak about his acclaimed first novel, If nobody speaks of remarkable things and give a preview of ‘that difficult third novel’, Even the dogs, due for publication in February 2010.
Poetry Platter – All of These Poems Are Edible
Date: Friday 26 March
Time: 7.00 pm
Venue: McLeod Suite, Dean Court Hotel, Duncombe Place
Cost: £20 includes supper
Info/Booking: Dean Court Hotel on 01904 625082 or visit www.deancourt-york.co.uk/ for tickets
A lively evening of entertaining poetry from respected duo Helen Burke and Adrian Spendlow. Fun, daring and different – poems to be savoured!!
Spoken Word & Stairwell Books present A Night of Erotic Poetry & Prose
Date: Friday 26 March
Time: 8.00 pm - 11.00 pm
Venue: The Black Swan, Peasholme Green
Cost: £5 includes a free drink. Tickets can be purchased in advance from Stairwell
Books
Info/Booking: email rose@stairwellbooks.com or call 01904 733767
An evening of erotic poetry and prose. Readers should book their slot in advance. Spot prizes for sexy yet tasteful outfits.
Fiction Workshop with Barrie Sherwood
Date: Saturday 27 March
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Venue: York St John University, De Grey Court (Room 019), Lord Mayor’s Walk
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: Vanessa Simmons 01904 876433 Online bookings: www.yorksj.ac.uk/events
A fiction workshop for intermediate writers with Barrie Sherwood, novelist and lecturer in Creative Writing at York St John University.
Creative Writing Skills Workshop
Date: Saturday 27 March
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Venue: York St John University, De Grey Court (Room 233), Lord Mayor’s Walk
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: e.davenport@yorksj.ac.uk 01904 876408 Booking essential. Meet at Holgate reception
For anyone over 18 interested in writing, this tutor-led workshop will inspire and develop your writing skills. Also find out about creative
writing at York St John University.
Independent publishing in the 21st Century
Date: Saturday 27 March
Time: 12.30 pm
Venue: The Black Swan, Peasholme Green
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: andyhumphrey1971@yahoo.co.uk 01904 785138
Come and hear how independent and small press publishers are changing the cultural landscape – for writers and readers. With guests, Kay Green (Earlyworks Press), Katie Metcalfe (Beautiful Scruffiness magazine) and Gill James and Debz Hobbs-Wyatt (Bridge House Publishing).
Readings and Q&A session with Kate North
Date: Saturday 27 March
Time: 4.00 pm
Venue: Waterstones, High Ousegate
Cost: Free of charge but need to book by phone
Info/Booking: Lizzi Linklater 07855456574
Kate North, widely published as a poet, novelist, and editor of Iota magazine reads from her work.
Reading and signing session featuring Andrew Martin
Date: Saturday 27 March
Time: 6.00 pm
Venue: Waterstones, High Ousegate
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: www.jimstringernovels.com 01904 628740
Andrew Martin is a writer originally from York, whose novels featuring Jim Stringer include The Necropolis Railway, Death on a Branch Line and The Last Train to Scarborough. He was shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Dagger for the whole series in
2008. His other books include Bilton, How to Get Things Really Flat and Ghoul Britannia.
Stomping through the seasons with Catherine Heinemeyer (Nettlefoot Kate) and Anneliese Emmans Dean
Date: Saturday 27 March
Time: 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm
Venue: Jacob’s Well, Trinity Lane
Cost: £5 adults, £2.50 children
Info/Booking: Catherine Heinemeyer, catherine.heinemeyer@googlemail.com, tel 01904 612418 www.thebigbuzz.biz www.sustainabilitystories.wordpress.com
Stomp through the year with original poems from Anneliese, seasonal tales from Nettlefoot Kate, and live shoemaking by Terry Brown! Wear your favourite footwear, and enjoy refreshments on the house. For adults and children (not under-5s)
Hands On Crime Fiction for Children - The Real Story!
Date: Sunday 28 March
Time: 1.30 pm - 3.00 pm
Venue: Fulford Road Police Station
Cost: Free of charge
Info/Booking: Fiona.Wynne@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
A chance for children aged 7-11 years to explore how crime fiction really takes shape and to learn the results of the Crime Writing
Competition run in conjunction with North Yorkshire Police.
This event is fully booked.
Phantoms and Sharks featuring the Hang On (World Music) Band
Date: Sunday 28 March
Time: 8.00 pm - 11.00 pm
Venue: The Winning Post, Bishopthorpe Road
Cost: £5 (£4)
Info/Booking: Mo Burrows 01759 380431
An evening of music and words with Natacha Dauphin, Helen Burke and Adrian Spendlow on a theme of animals and creatures.
Poetry Workshops
Date: Saturday 13 March
Time: 11.00 am – 1.00 pm & 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery
Cost: £5 per person, per 2 hour session
Info/Booking: To book a place ring York Museums Trust on 01904 650333
Explore the gallery and unlock your creativity with experienced workshop leader and award winning poet Pat Borthwick.
18th Century Inspiration Collage Workshop
Date: Sunday 14 March
Time: 11.00 am - 1.00 pm & 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery
Cost: £5 per person, per 2 hour session
Info/Booking: To book a place ring York Museums Trust on 01904 650333
To celebrate the re-hanging of the Gallery’s Eighteenth Century collection. Working with an 18th-century scholar and an artist, you will collage images and words to make your own eighteenth-century-inspired artefact. Design and Performance students from York St John University will also stage ‘interventions’ in the Gallery, using eighteenth-century correspondence, fashion and art as inspiration.
Reading by novelist Nicholas Hogg
Date: Wednesday 17 March
Time: 4.00 pm
Venue: Fountains Lecture Theatre, York St John University
Cost: Free, no tickets or reservations necessary
Info: www.yorksj.ac.uk/events
Novelist Nicholas Hogg, reads from his debut novel Show me the Sky.
