Burnley is set to come alive with words, creativity, and storytelling as the much-loved
Wordy Weekend returns from May 14-18.
Audiences can take part in a packed programme of theatre, poetry, author talks, creative workshops, and live performances.
The festival will centre around Burnley Mechanics, with activities spreading across the
town.
This year the theme ‘Things That Shape Our World’, encourages the community to reflect on what influences Burnley and the wider world. With an inclusive, accessible approach, all activities will operate on a ‘Pay What You Decide’ basis, ensuring everyone can take part and celebrate the magic of words.
Festival producer Stephanie Jessop said: “We are thrilled to be back with the third Burnley Words Festival. It’s a fantastic opportunity for local writers, artists, and audiences to come together, share stories, and experience an incredible variety of performances, readings, exhibitions, and workshops.”
Scottish Pakistani comedian Lubna Kerr brings her popular show ‘Where are You Really
From?’ to Down Town on May 15. With humour based around her Asian heritage, Lubna hilariously breaks down and plays on the stereotypes attached to her background.
Shed Stories in the afternoon on May 17 at 2pm at Down Town sees Tim Casson return to Burnley after a successful residency last month, with his unique and touching show Shed Stories. Blending theatre, movement and documentary, he shines a light on the growing phenomenon of ‘Men’s Sheds’ and the communities around them, inspired by more than 24 hours of interviews with the people who attend and organise these valued community spaces.
Crossings, by Luke Jerram will invite audiences to take a rowing boat on Thompson
Park boating lake and lap up stories about subjects ranging from boats, birds, sounds,
plastic, people and the sweet potato!
The Wordy Weekend features a Local Writers Night on May 16 at Burnley Mechanics, for Burnley and Lancashire-based writers, and local poet Ajaz Qureshi will lead a poetry workshop and a scenic canalside walk over the weekend.
Also for aspiring authors, Pitching to Publishers is a workshop from Isabelle Kenyon,
who will offer insights into the publishing industry in a workshop exploring the journey
from writing to getting published. Named a Future Leader by the Bookseller in 2024,
Kenyon founded publisher Fly on The Wall Press in 2018, which has since won Small
Press of The Year at the British Book Awards 2024 (North).
The festival is delivered by Culturapedia in partnership with Burnley Leisure and
Culture, and is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts
Council England and Stocks Massey.
For the full programme and further details, visit burnleywordsfestival.co.uk.
