THE inaugural Ramsgate Literary Festival, sponsored by Ugu South Coast Tourism, will take place on September 24 (Heritage Day) and September 25.
Set in the picturesque village of Ramsgate on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, the festival will celebrate and showcase good books, art exhibitions, quirky museums, fine wines and antiques.

Festival organiser, Vicky Wentzel, of Wozani Africa Events, said: “Our focus this year is Read Local, featuring 11 authors, 10 of whom are from the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast; and many of them have written historical books on the area.”

Most of the festival events will be held at The Whale Deck in Ramsgate. First up on Thursday, at 10 am, is Professor Lindy Stiebel, Professor Emeritus of English Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, who will officially open the festival.

The author of a number of books, Stiebel’s latest is titled Thomas Baines: Exploring Tropical Australia. Next year she will be releasing Writing Home: Lewis Nkosi on South African Literature and the e-publication A Literary Companion to KwaZulu-Natal, a book which collects over 10 years of the KwaZulu-Natal literary tourism projects.

At the festival she will give a talk titled ‘KZN Literary Tourism and the South Coast Writers’ Trail’.

Other writers heading to the festival are:
• Ruth Field, author of The Postmaster’s Mistress, based on the love story of Elna Jennings (94) who lived in Port Edward;
• Doreen Gaze, a local art gallery owner, who will be presenting her book Ramsgate Recollections;
• Libby Cochrane, author of three books, her latest being Southbroom Remembering Yesteryear;
• Ron Lock, who is launching his book Tales of the Old East Coast;
• Prithiraj Dullay, author of Salt Water Runs in My Veins, a compendium of 21 short stories that extend over 100 years;
• Bongi Malishe, who will present the book You are Wired to Win;
• Sarah Unsworth, author of the children’s novel Leaving Essenwood – Simon’s Story;
• Anette Brink, author of Dance Met Die Jakkals;
• Prof. Clive Dennison, author of Footprints in Paradise; and
• John GI Clark, author of The Promise of Justice.

Other attractions at the festival on Thursday, September 24 include a performance by the Dixieland Jazz Band; poetry by candlelight at The Burlesque Café; street fire dancers; an exhibition of Izidro Duarte’s work; and cookery displays at The Lobster Pot.

Ramsgate Stationers will be selling books by the guest authors, and a selection of Alan Paton’s books. And Ramsgate Relics, The Fair and Tinkers Den Antique Shops will be opening their doors to visitors in search of rare, first edition and collector’s books.

On Friday, September 25, Hazel’s World of Miniatures, a private museum of handcrafted and vintage minutures, will be open to allow public the opportunity of viewing the wonderful collection of miniature literary scenes.

There will also be a retrospective art exhibition of Errol Boyley’s work, titled ‘Conteporary Realism Mastered’, at the Riverbend Crocodile Art Gallery; and a talk by the Alan Paton Centre’s Nazim Gani, who will share the story of Alan Paton and his life works on the beach lawns in front of the WhaleBack Cottage on Ramsgate’s Little Billy Beach. This is the same spot where Paton completed his book Cry The Beloved Country in 1946.

So pack picnic hampers, don your sun hats and bring along deckchairs to what is expected to be one of the festival highlights.

Other attractions on Friday, September 25 include a performance by a string quartet on Ramsgate Little Billy Beach, a jewellery exhibition at the Artists’ Gallery, the South Coast Spring Wine Festival at Riverbend Crocodile Farm (tickets R120 which includes snacks and your tasting glass), the Lions quiz evening at the Ramsgate Village Hall, and a performance by Mammas and Papas at El Gato Portuguese Restaurant.

“The Ramsgate area is rapidly becoming renowned for things creative and this literary event initiative will enhance this reputation and provide residents and visitors with a great opportunity to savor the beautiful coast and the richness of language and the arts,” says Ugu South Coast Tourism’s shief executive officer, Justin Mackrory.

• For more information and the full programme email vicky@wozaniafrica.co.za or log on to http://www.wozaniafrica.co.za/