Launceston's Charles Causley Festival

Charles Causley

Over the first weekend in June, Cornwall's historic capital Launceston hosts the annual Charles Causley Festival.  It's a celebration of the very best in literature and the performing arts.

Launceston’s most famous son, Charles Causley is recognised as one of the nation's greatest poets.  Appearing this year at the festival his genius inspires will be former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion, as well as prominent local writers Patrick Gale and D M Thomas.

But it's not just a hard-core literary party; there'll be events for everyone.  Children can enjoy the puppet shows and pirate acts, gardeners lunch with Katherine Swift, bestselling author of The Morville Hours.  The threat to Britain’s sharks will be discussed over fish 'n' chips, Russian poetry over beers in a Georgian hotel.

Musicians strutting their stuff will include local girl Rosie Vanier, who the Guardian described as “Kate Bush on crack.”  A more traditional form of craic will be supplied by Bude-based Celtic folk band Black Galleon, accompanied by singer/songwriter Jenny Bishop.  With art, independent cinema and creative writing workshops to check out, you'll find loads to get involved with.
 
To find out more, see www.charlescausleyfestival.co.uk - just hop off the A.30, take a stroll around the town and enjoy!