WRITE Festival
WRITE Festival returned for its 5th year with a week-long programme from 17-25 September 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WRITE Festival 2020 was delivered digitally with a series of online events. In 2021, the festival returned to once again celebrate the written word in all its forms with a programme of unmissable events, workshops and performances at The Word, across South Tyneside Libraries and online.
There was a great selection of author talks including Ann Cleeves, Nicci French and The Yorkshire Shepherdess. As well as entertainment from Highly Suspect with their family friendly murder mystery afternoon, a talk from costume historian and dressmaker Meridith Towne, a calligraphy workshop and much more.
For writers there was a selection of events where they could chat with industry insiders to get advice and feedback on their writing or find more about being published.
The festival also engaged with schools and library groups in new and creative ways. South Tyneside Libraries and OpenZone delivered a range of IT workshops at The Word for local schools, as well as an event at Jarrow Focus Library where children met author David Almond.
South Tyneside Libraries ‘Living Well with Dementia’ group also enjoyed an afternoon of fun and friendship as part of WRITE Festival with a stroll around the park, games and afternoon tea.