Poem specially commissioned for festival to be read in English, French, and Wolastoqiyik
On September 17, 2019, Fredericton’s Literary Festival, Word Feast, will kick off its third year at Gallery 78 on Queen Street. At the launch, Janet North, owner and store manager of Westminster Books, will be presented with a Community Impact Award, recognizing a substantial contribution to Fredericton’s literary community.
The evening will also feature a special trilingual reading of a poem written for Word Feast by Fredericton’s Poet Laureate, Jenna Lyn Albert, and translated into French and Wolastoqiyik. The evening will be capped off with readings by R.W. Gray and Gabriel Robichaud.
“We’re thrilled to be able to launch the festival with readings in three languages, honouring diverse local cultures and traditions,” says Festival Chair Ian LeTourneau. “These readings will be incredibly special. The event is free and all are welcome. I hope many people will take advantage of this opportunity to hear ideas in translation and to celebrate the power of words to communicate across cultures. It’s guaranteed to be a unique and memorable experience.”
Word Feast events will be held throughout the city at numerous venues between Sept 17-22. “Every year, we have benefited from tremendous community support, and this year was no different, with a variety of local restaurants and prize donors contributing to the festival” says LeTourneau. “Our board is excited to be able to give back and offer inspiration to a city that has always been so supportive and ready to celebrate and embrace literature and the arts.”
The festival’s marquee event, Words and Music will feature readings by festival headliner Carrianne Leung, author of That Time I Loved You and Amy Spurway, author of Crow, along with musical performer Adyn Townes, who was recently nominated for four Music NB Awards. Tickets cost $20 and are available at The Playhouse. With the exception of low-cost writing workshops, all other festival events are free of charge.
The official launch begins at 7 p.m at Gallery 78, 796 Queen Street.
Word Feast 