Headingley LitFest engages local and regional audiences in the celebration of literature and words
We are a small literary festival, part of the Headingley Network. We started in 2008, each year developing and extending our range and reach. We have a simple mission statement:
*Bring the creative word TO Headingley;
*Celebrate the creative word IN Headingley;
*Engage local and regional audiences in the experience and celebration of literature;
*Facilitate opportunities for writing and performing among local residents and communities;
*Showcase local writers and performers;
*Make words sing!
Why the community needs usHeadingley and other local communities are very diverse - in age, in abilities, in ethnicity, in confidence, in experience. But celebrating the word - in writing, in poetry, in song, in comedy, in books, in stories, in life - is a priceless way of encouraging our people to tell their stories, explore their feelings, gain self-confidence, stand up and be counted, share with others. Shared words give social opportunites to pull communities together.
Our impact on the communityPoetry written and performed by young people who have never been on stage or received rewards for their writing before. Tales told by senior community members that enthrall young children, each learning from the other. Aspiring poets and authors finding their voice and their first audience. Physically disabled writers celebrating their lives in print. Established artists inspiring a new generation of writers of drama or fiction, comedy or lyrics. The power of the word to inspire and change!
Our committee of unpaid volunteers organises a huge range of events to support the Headingley and other local communities. We need more volunteers to help at some of our 30+ events each year. Take tickets, give our feedback forms, take pics, write blogs, set out and clear up venues - whatever is needed to ensure audiences have a great time! Love books, poetry, music, lyrics, tales or words to explain meaning and feelings? You're our sort of person!
