Wimbledon Bookfest with Man and Van Wimbledon
Man and Van Wimbledon is taking any opportunity to socialise with local community and this week there is perfect occasion to do so. This week in Wimbledon is starting a Wimbledon Bookfest. The bookfest is now in its fourth year. It was started in 2006 by Tony Kane and Fiona Razvi, who wanted to raise cultural activity and awareness in Wimbledon. Working in the local media they were meeting many writers and authors, and had strong connections with the arts environment in the area.
A team was formed with representatives from the arts and publishing sectors, including Polka Theatre, New Wimbledon Theatre, Merton Council, Wimbledon Guild, local bookshops and Time & Leisure magazine. A charity, Wimbledon Arts, was formed and a trust set up. Books were chosen as a vehicle for the arts with long terms plans of a more broad arts festival in the future. The team is almost entirely volunteer-based. We have only a small amount of admin support. The festival has grown, and we now have a specialised team of considerable size, and we have developed many community partnerships.
The launch of Wimbledon Bookfest took place on Saturday, when Michael Morpurgo discussed his new book Butterfly Lion with actress and wildlife campaigner Virginia McKenna.
The opening day also featured music and poetry events, as well as an appearance by crime writer Lynda La Plante. Dozens of literary events have already taken place across Wimbledon this week, with more to come before the end of the festival on Sunday.
Highlights this weekend include a big tent by the war memorial on Wimbledon Common which will host Salman Rushdie and the festival’s first comedy night - as well as the common’s own Wombles. Novellist Joseph O’Connor, author of Star of the Sea, will appear on Saturday.
As I am myself a fan of Salman Rushdie's novels, I will be attending bookfest and I'm happy to say that whole Man and Van Wimbledon team as well. So hopefully we will see you all there.
