Brontë Festival to feature reading by Poet Laureate

The Poet Laureate is to read at the first Bront Festival of Women’s Writing in Haworth this month.

Carol Ann Duffy’s reading will form part of the festival, which takes place at various venues in the village from September 17 to 19.

The festival has been organised by the Bront Parsonage Museum as part of its contemporary arts programme, with support from Arts Council England.

Jenna Holmes, Bront Parsonage Museum arts officer, said: “The Bronts were pioneering writers, at a time when very few women got published. The success of their novels changed the way that women writers were perceived and the festival will celebrate their incredible legacy, by showcasing the work of high profile and emerging contemporary women writers.

“When Charlotte Bront wrote to Poet Laureate Robert Southey for advice in 1837, she was told that ‘writing cannot be the business of a woman’s life, and ought not to be’.

“She would be delighted that Carol Ann Duffy, the first female in the role, will read at the very first Bront Festival of Women’s Writing.

“We hope the festival will become an annual showcase of the quality of writing by women in the region and across the UK.”

Kate Mosse will open the festival weekend with a reading on September 17. The novelist is best known for her international bestseller Labyrinth, which has been published in 40 countries and won the Richard and Judy’s Best Read award in 2006.

On the morning of September 18, recent writer in residence at the museum, Katrina Naomi, will lead a poetry workshop which will involve participants accompanying her to the museum collections where they will see some of the items not out on public display. They will then be invited to create new poems inspired by their visit.

Ms Duffy will visit Haworth later that day at 7.30pm to read from her work.

On the afternoon of September 19, writer Daisy Hay will speak about her book Young Romantics.

The weekend will also include drop-in events and activities for families, including a poetry trail around Haworth, storytelling and informal readings by local poets.

Book tickets by emailing [email protected] or calling 01535 640188.