The festival, also known as the Stone Literary Festival, staged many events in September 2009 - including talks by the authors, a one man show, readings from famous works, a book fair on the Saturday, and an ‘open mike’ evening.

Carol Ann Duffy

The Crown Hotel played host to the Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy read a selection of her works and took questions from the audience before signing books.

Carol Ann was brought up in Stafford and educated at Stafford Girls High School. She is one of Britain's most famous poets. Her poems are popular because they are accessible.

She writes poetry for "people who don't like poems", and writes for all ages.
On the 1st May 2009, she became the first woman to be appointed Poet Laureate in the 341-year history of the post.

Famous Faces

Carol Ann was not the only famous writer appearing at the festival. Best selling novelist Sally Vickers, author of 'Miss Garnet’s Angel' and 'Mr. Golightly’s Holiday', talked about her latest book 'Dancing Backwards'.

Phil’s talk “Writing in the Doctor Who Universe”, gave a wide-ranging insight into TV writing.

At Stone Station Community Centre, Ray Johnson, Professor of Film Heritage and Documentary Media, Journalism and Cultural Studies at Staffordshire University, presented his other side, that of an accomplished actor, with his new one man show – “Coffee with Samuel Johnson and Tea with Arnold Bennett”.

Samuel Johnson and Arnold Bennett - who were both born in Staffordshire - are two of the great English writers.

Other Events

Eccleshall Poetry Society presented an ‘open mike’ event at the towns library which got very involved with a number of events happening there.

With the help of Stone residents, they produced a ‘Book in a Day’, using visitors anecdotes and photographs.

The book went on sale locally shortly after the event, and you can still buy a copy.
For more details, contact: stone.library@staffordshire.gov.uk.

Stone town clerk David Turner said: "I was amazed by the interest the festival has generated. We had a great selection of writers and events for the weekend". He confirmed that plans are already underway for next years event.