York Literature Festival’s future secured by grant (From York Press)

York Literature Festival’s future secured by grant

8:44am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News By Richard Catton, richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

THE future of York Literature Festival has been secured for another year thanks to an Arts Council grant of more than £6,000.

Organiser Miles Salter said years of applying for grants had finally paid off with a £6,236 windfall – meaning the 2013 festival was now guaranteed to go ahead.

He said: “It’s fantastic news. We’ve submitted several bids to the Arts Council before but have never been successful. The grant means we can stage the 2013 event without worrying about finances.

“It will help us to stage a more professional event. The 2013 programme is currently being drawn up and it looks like it will be a great festival.”

The festival began in 2007 and was at first supported by City of York Council Libraries, but the support ended in 2009.

While run on a voluntary basis since then, the springtime event has still attracted big name writers to the city, including Carol Ann Duffy, Kate Atkinson, Gervase Phinn, Ian McMillan, Tony Benn and Tracy Chevalier.

Mr Salter said: “As far as the long-term future of the festival is concerned we do need backing and support, but the grant is a fantastic boost in the short term.

“In 2012 ticket sales were £5,000 for the first time. York Literature Festival has huge potential in York. We have a great city centre with many excellent venues and a huge tourist audience.

“The festival welcomes inquiries from any generous sponsors who would like to help with the long-term life of the event, beyond 2013.”

Already booked for next year’s event in March is crime novelist Peter Robinson, who will perform alongside respected folk musician Martin Carthy at the National Centre for Early Music.

If you would like to support the festival or would like more details, contact Mr Salter by phoning 01904 412892 or by email at milesinyork@hotmail.com