New chapter for festival
BUDLEIGH Salterton Literary Festival has proved so successful it is to be repeated next year.
The three-day Writing by the Sea festival drew in crowds of literary enthusiasts to the town after an impressive line-up of authors signed up to appear, writes Becca Gliddon.
Such was the popularity of the event, visitors were queuing to buy tickets even when the town's Tourist Information Centre was closed.
And trade was boosted by the increase in people coming into the town for the festival events.
President Sue Lawley had hoped the festival -the brainchild of Susan Ward - would become a major event in the diary for many years to come.
Miss Lawley said: "Authors and audiences seem to have enjoyed it in equal measure.
"The town buzzed and traders reported a profitable weekend, too.
"People came from far afield, as well as the local area, to listen and to contribute - we really seem to have tapped into a strong literary vein, which is really encouraging.
"We always intended to make it the first of many and now we feel confident enough to begin planning next year's event.
"We've already had some new ideas for the festival, which could prove very popular."
Card Shop Too owner, Councillor Steve Hall, said: "Even on the Sunday, when the Tourist Information Centre wasn't open, people were still clamouring for tickets for events.
"When there are people hoping to get tickets on the day of a performance, it shows the event is a significant success."
Budleigh Salterton Mayor Courtney Richards said: "It has brought people into the town and raised the awareness of Budleigh Salterton.
"Everyone I have spoken to about the literary festival has said it's been a great success, so all credit to the organiser, Mrs Ward.
"Budleigh Salterton seems to be getting on the festival map now.
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