The 2015 Bookmark Festival will take place in venues throughout Oldham as the town celebrates all things literary.
Taking place from 18th April to 25th April, the festival caters for adults and children alike and there is something to suit all tastes and genres - what’s more many of the events are FREE.
Here is a list of all of the events and where they are happening.
Pop along and say ‘Ello!’ to Mr Bloom, the popular TV show gardener. There’ll be a bundle of veggie stories, gardening games, and catchy Nursery songs for Tiddlers and Parents alike. FREE Event.
Steve Hanley, bass player with The Fall and author provides a unique insight into one of the most talked about bands of the last 30 years. Tickets: £3.50 library members (produce your library card on door), £5 non membersâ¨
Join playwrights and poets Gerry Potter and Cathy Crabb as bring their wit and wisdom to the stage. Over 18s only. Tickets £3.50 library members (produce your library card on door), £5 non membersâ¨
A new book of poems by Roger McGough is always an event and As Far As I Know is truly a cause for celebration. Hilarious and surreal, he is a poet of many voices. Tickets via Coliseum Box Office
Formerly from Oldham, Rachel Abbott is one of the country’s most successful self-published authors. Join Rachel as she gives us an insight into her creative process and writing. Tickets £3.50 library members (produce your library card on door), £5 non membersâ¨
‘Cotton, Curry and Commerce’, traces the emergence of Oldham’s thriving Asian business community over the last fifty years from semi-skilled workers recruited as a temporary solution to Britain’s post war labour shortages into a major sector of Oldham’s business community. FREE Event
Bring your favourite bear for lots of fun at our Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Explore the bear hunt sensory table and enjoy some bear crafts! Stories and rhymes will be followed by a picnic among the bookshelves. FREE Event, no booking necessary
Go along and spend an evening with three authors; Mandasue Heller, Cath Staincliffe and Chris Simms, as BBC’s Kevin Fitzpatrick talks to them about the work, influences and what inspires them. Tickets £3.50 library members (produce your library card on door), £5 non membersâ¨
Join the Chai Women at Oldham Library for an afternoon of cake, tea and storytelling. The Chai Ladies promote cultural and social education to South Asian women living in Oldham. FREE Event.
Using artwork from Gallery Oldham as inspiration Cathy Crabb will take participants through a journey from first idea through to story, character and scene breakdowns. £3.50 library members (produce your library card on door), £5 non members
It’s the book everyone’s talking about and tonight, Mari Hughes will speak about E. L. James’ erotic romance Fifty Shades trilogy, providing a unique insight into the text from a feminist perspective and placing the novel in its social and political contexts. She will argue that the trilogy does much that is both negative and positive for women, for feminism and for twenty-first century sexuality. £3.50 library members (produce your library card on door), £5 non membersâ¨
This beautifully restored, charismatic Grade II* listed former chapel is now open to the public and we are delighted to work with AgeUK Oldham to provide guided tours of the building. £5.50
Famous chef Paul and his father, Ken, one of the most influential men in the fitness industry will talk about their accomplishments and some of the challenges they have encountered, as well as giving an insight into what inspired them to set up in business and become successful entrepreneurs. £3.50 library members (produce your library card on door), £5 non members
We are celebrating one of our favourite authors Jill Murphy at our Family Fun Day. Make a rocket just like Baby Bear in Whatever Next. Join us for ‘Large Family’ stories throughout the day and help decorate our Writing Tree with the owls and hedgehogs that keep Mr Large awake in Peace at Last! Free event, no need to book
Jill Murphy, the award winning writer of The Worst Witch titles was writing, illustrating and making her own books from the age of six! Come and meet Jill and hear more about her books. FREE Event
The finale to this year’s Bookmark Festival is provided by members of the Lees Literati writers group, reading extracts from stories written about Oldham and The Cherry Hintons from Saddleworth, playing selection of classic bluegrass and acoustic country rock tracks.
