The 4th Alton Word Fest took place at the beginning of October 2011. This year there were a wide variety of events for children and adults alike…

The Literary Lunch had three speakers; Sue Hammond and Leslie Tate talked about writing and Colum Hayward talked about publishing.

The Farnham Speakers event was very entertaining and was of great interest.

The Storytelling “Stone Soup” workshop and the open mic session offered attendees the chance to learn and then try out their storytelling skills.

The “Speak Up!” schools event was well attended by children from Amery School.  Three local councillors judged the entries, whilst 6 teams took part in the speaking contest.

The “Pint Pot of Fire” showcased writers, storytellers, and toastmasters, with stories that were dramatic, entertaining and saucy.

Chawton House Library put on a talk about Frances Burney, a little-known lady writer that Jane Austen is know to have read.

The Writing Competition awards and Spelling Bee event was well attended.

Finally, François Teyssier’s Drama Workshops offered children and adults a chance to try out some acting skills.

All in all, the week’s events went well, although some were not well attended.  This is an annual event run by Alton Chamber Enterprises Ltd., the trading arm of Alton Chamber of Commerce & Industry.  Next year, as always, we plan to make it bigger and better.