FAMOUS names from the fields of literature, music and drama will arrrive in Mytholmroyd this autumn for a major festival marking the tenth anniversary of the death of Ted Hughes.
Current poet laureate Andrew Motion will open the week-long festival on October 22, Hughes’ daughter Frieda, who is also a poet, will read from her own work and ‘Dreaming of Foxes’, a play based on Hughes’ childhood memories, will have its world prem
iere on the stage at the Ted Hughes Theatre at Calder High School.
The festival, organised by the Elmet Trust, will close with world premieres of two specially commissioned orchestral works: The Elmet Suite by John Reeman and the Ted Hughes Suite by Lawrence Killian. The music will be played by Todmorden Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Concannon Hodges.
Elmet chairwoman Sheila McAnulty said: “This is a really significant festival which reflects the worldwide interest in the work of our local poet. We are delighted that so many influential figures will be joining us here on his home territory.”
Many of the main events will be staged at the Ted Hughes Theatre, a tribute to the late poet laureate who was born in Mytholmroyd and who came back to open the school’s library in 1993.
There will also be events for children and teenagers, including a poetry workshop with Lemn Sissay, plus walks and talks following the Ted Hughes legacy. The winners of the national children’s poetry competition and the adult poetry competition will be announced at the festival.
Eric Alston, chairman of Royd Regeneration and a director of the Elmet Trust, said that the festival would bring the eyes of the world onto Mytholmroyd. He said: "In later life Ted Hughes always acknowledged the profound effect on his poetry of his boyhood spent in Mytholmroyd exploring the woods and moors of the Calder Valley.
“It is marvellous that we can celebrate his achievements here in the town of his birth.”
Stephen Ball, head teacher at Calder High School, said: “The festival will be a marvellous celebration of the life and work of one of the greatest writers of the modern age and will give the local community and the school community an opportunity to join forces for an exciting week of events.”
Simon Armitage, patron of the Elmet Trust, said: “Ten years after Hughes’ death, and following the landmark publication of his Letters, our former poet laureate’s impact on the literary landscape remains as strong as ever.
“When held in the village of Hughes’s upbringing, readings, events and discussions take on a special significance, and the Trust continues to explore and celebrate the connections between this very rare poet and this special part of the world.”
Brochures listing the entire festival programme are available from the Hebden Bridge and Halifax tourist information centres, as well as many shops and cafes in Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. Tickets can be booked directly by calling 07592 577482.
For more information, visit www.theelmettrust.com.
