The Newham Word Festival, a two-week celebration of the creative power of words, will give residents opportunities to join more than 40 exciting free events across the Borough next month.

Running from 4-17 July, the festival will include live in-person events in every neighbourhood as well as fea- turing a range of online workshops and talks.

This will be the festival’s fourth year and will bring together poets, authors, artists, performers and musicians for an inspiring tribute to the power of the word. After the success of last year’s events held in the teeth of the Covid emergency, the 2022 festival will also include online events.

Activities will include creative workshops and trivia quizzes, debates and discussions, author talks and library treasure hunts.

The activities are funded by Newham Council, Royal Docks Team and Arts Council England and this year includes headline figures from the world of literature including Ben Okri, Monica Ali, and Sarah Winman.

People will also be able to take part in wonderful workshops, like embroidery and creative writing with Queer Newham or making multi-coloured feelings-butterflies in Krina Sage-Patel’s workshop for families.

Together! 2012 will be hosting an online poetry café, and there will be Summer Readings and Rituals at the Good Hotel in the Royal Docks.

Families can take part in events in local libraries and at Discover Children’s Story Centre (with free entry to play too!) And there are inspiring events for schools from an amazing range of authors, including Sharna Jackson and Olaf Falafel.

Take a look at the full programme and book free tickets at www.newhamwordfestival.org

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