Word Feast serves up inspiration to foster literacy
Inaugural Fredericton Literary Festival launches this week
On September 18, 2017, Word Feast, Fredericton’s Literary Festival kicked off in the city, as more than 30 authors from across Canada arrived to share their work and celebrate creativity. Over the week-long festival, running September 18-24, 2017, award winning authors will give workshops and readings in venues across the city. A full program is available on the Word Feast website.
The festival is the legacy project of Fredericton’s first Cultural Laureate, Ian LeTourneau. “My hope is to see this festival become a lasting part of Fredericton’s cultural landscape,” says LeTourneau. “This city has a rich literary heritage and we want to build on that and help preserve it. Our goal is to inspire creativity and foster literacy among readers and writers of all ages, from all walks of life.”
Word Feast events will be held throughout the city at numerous venues, with a total of nearly 20 sponsors and partners offering support. “It was heartening to see the community embrace the festival, with restaurants and businesses agreeing to host events and offering sponsorship.” says LeTourneau. “It says a lot about Fredericton’s character, to have so many people in the community support our vision and offer to help bring these writers and their books to the public.”
Word Feast also received funding from the City of Fredericton and the Province of New Brunswick’s Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. Other sponsors include Cedar Valley Investments, the Canada Council and the League of Canadian Poets. Taylor Printing sponsored print materials for the festival.
“Needless to say, we are very grateful,” says LeTourneau. “This support, along with a team of dedicated volunteers going above and beyond, has allowed us to put together an impressive inaugural festival.”
Word Feast’s official launch will be held at the Fredericton Public Library Art Gallery on September 20 from 7-9 p.m. Admission is free. Details are available on the festival’s Events page.
Additional Quotes
“Our government recognizes the critical role of literacy in our society and the value that it brings to New Brunswickers. Fredericton’s Literary Festival celebrates New Brunswick’s authors, its history, and our cultural diversity. Festivals such as this provide the opportunity to discover authors and writers in a meaningful way as well as build literacy skills for all ages.”
– John Ames, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture and Minister responsible for Poverty Reduction and the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation
“Fredericton is a city with deep cultural roots and a long history of fostering diverse literary talent. This festival will honour that tradition and help to inspire the next generation, while also promoting literacy and imagination in our community.”
– Fredericton Deputy Mayor Kate Rogers
Word Feast 