Wordfest gets off to flying start

The festival will continue to run until October 9, providing the public with a number of different events.

The festivities got off to a flying start with Secret Shore - a group of 40 singers - thrilling a packed audience with songs celebrating the seafaring heritage of the Shoreham coast on Saturday.

Janet Behan also gave a stunning performance of her own dramas Realtine and Noreen, to huge acclaim.

There were also enjoyable talks by Wordfest patron Simon Brett and Dr Geoffrey Mead, plus a stimulating debate following a perspective on The New World Order by journalist Oggy Boytchev.

Shoreham singers entertained in a community concert and author Tom Cutler helped aspiring authors plan for publication.

The festivities continue this week as Jacqui Dankworth sings Shakespeare’s sonnets with a jazzy twist on Thursday (October 6) and then, Friday (October 7), The Guardian’s John Grace will give a humorous modern take on well known plays with readings by local actors Amarillys Gunn and Nelson Ward.

Also on Friday is The Duke, a comedy by Shon Dale Jones with all proceeds in aid of Save the Children Child Refugee fund.

Saturday’s (October 8) highlights include a walk and talk along the River Adur, a children’s puppet show and a very special performance of Bound Feet Blues by Yang-May Ooi.

Sunday (October 9) features a writers workshop and a performance of Madame Bovary. The Wordfest finale will be the annual slam competition of short stories and poems with cash prizes up for grabs.

All events are at the Ropetackle Arts Centre. For more details and tickets, please visit the Shoreham Wordfest website.

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