May 2009
Swindon Festival of Literature
4 – 16 May • (Bed and Breakfast available at £25 per night)
An opportunity to get in on the start, or come part way through for a day or two, or more, to join other Festival followers at the heart of this home-grown, nationally-known high spot on Wiltshire’s cultural calendar.
It begins at dawn with the amazing Dawn Chorus at 5.30am on Bank Holiday Monday 4th May, and goes on with novelists, poets, politicians, scientists, philosophers, performers, dangerous discussions, serious sessions, and lively literary larks. Authors, speakers, performers, and events will include David Attenborough, Julian Clary, Simon Armitage, Ruth Padel, Bob Wilson, David Crystal, Maureen Lipman, Rory McGrath, Michael Morpurgo, groovy poets in the Swindon Slam and Poems & Pints a Writing Day, a Green Families Day Campfire Storytelling, and lots, lots more!
If you want to know everything, get the full 36-page colour programme, available from 19th March, phone 01793 771080, email or see the Festival website.
Juggling and Circus Skills
22 - 25 May • Adult £156 • Child (9 – 18yrs) £126
With Jim Semlyen, Jacob Hirsch-Holland, and friends
A long Bank Holiday weekend of developing juggling skills and having fun! There will be structured sessions in juggling, club passing, pole spinning, poi, acrobalance, human pyramids, diabolo, devil stick, ring and plate spinning, and clowning!
As darkness descends, we shall explore the magic of black light in a fluorescent room with props that glow in the dark! And you can join in or just watch a large-scale fire extravaganza with the ceremonial lighting of fire sculptures. There will be a final-night cabaret, a black light performance, and ‘warehouse’ party to write home about!
Suitable for older children but please check arrangements with us before booking.
Working Weekend – in the spirit of WWOOF
29 – 31 May • No Charge
For more information, see Working Weekends section.