Our very own Book Grocer, contributing editor and Hither Green resident, Rachel Holdsworth, is the restless word wrangler behind a new literary festival for SE13.
In the wake of library closures and local unrest, Lewisham Lit Fest waves a bookish flag for community spirit and local initiative, promising to put the emphasis on the festival rather than the literary. That said, the programme is astonishing, packed with well known writers, fun events and plenty for kids and families. There's also rich pickings for the Londonist reader, as we've been gladly roped in to help out with some suitably Londony listings. Diaries at the ready:
- Arrive early or bearing homemade cake if you want to be sure to get into the Firestation Book Swap on Friday 9 September.
- Rachel herself brings the publishers of Mustard, Ambit and Smoke: A London Peculiar together on Saturday 10 September.
- Parents should check out all the fab free kids' events happening during the day on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September.
- 'Submarine' author Joe Dunthorne and author of 'The Canal', Lee Rourke appear together on Sunday 11 September.
- Skeptics in the Pub join the fun on Wednesday 14 September discussing 'Science is Stranger Than Fiction'.
- Londonist Editor, Matt Brown hosts About London on Thursday 15 September, chatting to Mark Mason, Paul Talling and Iphgenia Baal about their latest books.
- This other Londonist Editor will try not to get tongue-tied introducing seven brilliant performance poets, also on Thursday 15 September.
- The super Tall Tales concludes the festival on Friday 16 September with comedy, music and storytelling for grown-ups.
Peruse the full programme here. Events take place at St Swithun's Church Hall, Local libraries and the Cafe of Good Hope. You can book online but tickets will be available on the door too. Children's events are free, others are priced at a very reasonable £4.
Come down to the Londonist hosted events and join us after in the Ravensbourne Arms for mingling at DIY DJ.
Naturally, Rachel is blogging and tweeting as she goes. Lewisham Literary Festival runs 9-16 September
