The Telegraph Ways with Words Literature Festival

Ways With Words is a vibrant and joyful 10-day festival, a chance for those who read books to meet those who write them. The setting is glorious, the atmosphere is invigorating. People come together in spectacular surroundings to share the pleasure and power of language. The warmth and energy of this lively gathering make it a memorable occasion.
Accommodation available onsite. Hearing loop system. There are two indoor venues: Great Hall and Barn Theatre at Dartington. Some Outdoor events, weather permitting.
Please check prices as booking is essential.

Literary titans, comedians, economists, environmentalists, historians, Turner prize-winning artists, sports legends and politicians will gather to speak at this year’s ten-day, Telegraph Ways With Words Festival of Words and Ideas.

Running from 9 to 19 July 2010, this prestigious literary event takes place in the stunning medieval estate and gardens of Dartington Hall in South Devon. Over 17,000 visitors are expected to attend the 150 events on offer this summer as the festival celebrates its 19th year.

Programme highlights include two of the most distinctive voices in British fiction talking about their latest works, Martin Amis on his 12th novel The Pregnant Widow and Ian McEwan on Solar.

Veteran crime writer PD James is making a rare appearance in her 90th year to be interviewed on stage by friend and fellow author Penelope Lively.

Bestselling novelists Tracy Chevalier, Fay Weldon, Naomi Alderman, Marina Lewycka, Barbara Trapido, Allison Pearson, Rachel Billington and Jane Gardam also head up this year’s fiction writers line-up.

Non-fiction highlights include Lady Antonia Fraser on her 30-year marriage to the playwright Harold Pinter; Melvyn Bragg on more than 30 years as host of The South Bank Show; BBC wildlife cameraman, producer and presenter, Simon King; and political grandees Roy Hattersley and Shirley Williams.

Former poet laureate Andrew Motion will talk about his forthcoming sequel to Treasure Island and Turner Prize winning artists, Richard Long and Martin Creed, will give audiences an insight into their different creative worlds.

Coinciding with the World Cup football final on Sunday 11th July, Ways With Words will become the most cultured spot in Britain to watch the big match live. A screen will be erected in the 14th century Great Hall and writers and footie fans Blake Morrison, John Lanchester and rugby legend Brian Moore will provide punditry and analysis.

South West writers appearing at the festival include: Somerset’s Gavin Pretor-Pinney, author of The Cloudspotter’s Guide, on his latest book The Wavewatcher’s Companion; Devon-based historian, Ian Mortimer, author of the international bestseller The Time Travellers Guide to Medieval England and now a groundbreaking and ambitious reappraisal of Henry V; and James Crowden, editor of The Devon Food Book in which the late Carol Trewin, former Farming Editor and later Food Editor for the Western Morning News, traces the evolution of the local food movement.

Lady Victoria Vyvyan, who with her husband Sir Ferrers Vyvyan has restored the family estate at Trelowarren in Cornwall, will tell the entertaining story of wilful Aunt Clara Vyvyan who went travelling after the war with glamorous Daphne du Maurier.

Alice Oswald’s prize-winning collection of poems, Dart, have been set to music and will be performed at the festival by Devon choirs Global Harmony, Viva and Shades of Blue.

Described as ‘The Glyndebourne of literature festivals’, Ways With Words’ Dartington festival has become renowned as a uniquely relaxed, convivial and beautiful place to encounter the literary and creative world. Ways With Words is also a place to enjoy a glass of wine from a deckchair, sip a smoothie in the Outdoor Reading Room, grab a delicious local snack from the reclaimed Parisian fire engine, dine in the vaulted restaurant or debate the day from a corner of the White Hart bar.

Venue

Totnes, South Devon

Dates

2010 9 Jul 2010 - 19 Jul 2010

Road Directions

Take A384 to Totnes from Exeter or Plymouth. Turn left for Dartington Hall after 5 miles. Follow yellow AA signs.

Public Transport Directions

Local bus service Totnes Dartington Hall. Mainline trains stop at Totnes.