A CROYDON festival of words will allow young people to explore the power of journalism, rap, drama and creative writing.
Wordfest takes place on Saturday November 17th in the Croydon Clocktower. Aimed at anyone aged 11-19, it runs from 10.30 to 4.30pm and is free to attend.
With workshops hosted by people who have already had their work published and performed, this is a great chance for aspiring writers, poets and singers to get first-hand experience of the skills needed to turn ideas into reality.
Spoken word poetry, manga cartoons and songs will also be part of Wordfest, which is funded by Reed Elsevier Cares and supported by the council’s Journeys programme for young people and also by The Reading Agency.
Among the artists leading the workshops is Croydon’s Chris Syrus.
Chris has become an inspirational figure since he left prison several years ago and turned his life around through his talent for writing. He works and performs under the name of Love Life 6948 – the number he wore while in jail.
Recently picked out as Croydon’s next top role model, Chris will talk about his experiences and how he has now branched out from poetry and moved into music and film through hard work and an understanding of how words can change people’s lives.
Cllr Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said: “Wordfest will be an exciting event and a brilliant chance for anyone who wants to explore their writing skills to talk with others who might help to encourage and inspire them.”
Other workshops on the day are being led by Hip Hop Shakespeare and the Brit School. The main authors who will be hosting sessions are Tanya Byrne and Caroline Green. Journalists taking part are from Limelight Magazine.
(Source: Croydon council press release)
