| "Festival of the Shire" A celebration of all things Tolkien inspired, comes to Wales |
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August 13th-15th, 2010 at Pafiliwn Bont, Pontrhydfendigiad, Ystrad Meurig, Ceredigoin, SY25 6BB, Wales. The United Kingdom is to host an exciting new international festival next year. Festival in the Shire is a conference, exhibition and fair celebrating themes inspired by the author J.R.R. Tolkien. Pictures above show some of the art to be on exhibit at the collectors expo. This three day festival caters to serious Tolkien fans as well as families and everyone else by holding three separate events for different audiences. Tolkien literature enthusiasts will have the opportunity to delve deeper into Tolkien’s work with a three day conference entitled ‘Welsh influences on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien’. This will feature internationally respected speakers such as Jane Chance, Douglas Anderson, Tom Shippey, Colin Duriez, John Garth, and Verlyn Flieger and includes experts from Welsh universities such as Dimitra Fimi from University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC), a specialist on Tolkien’s Welsh connections and his use of the Welsh language.
Keen collectors of Tolkien’s books and Tolkien inspired art will be delighted at the exhibition element of the festival. The exhibition will showcase rare first editions of Tolkien’s books, original art and other Tolkien artefacts. Many of these pieces are from private collections and unlikely to be shown again. In addition to displaying their paintings some of the famous artists who have illustrated Tolkien’s books will be present at this event and attendees will have the exciting opportunity to meet them and discuss their work. Artists attending include Roger Garland, Ted Nasmith, Jef Murray, Rodney Mathews, Angelo Montanini, Peter Pracownik, and Ruth Lacon.
For more casual fans, families and anyone looking for a fun day out the festival offers a daily programme of entertainment as well as a large fair with arts, crafts and food. The entertainment will include talks, Tolkien inspired re-enactments and other performance art, music and a myriad of fantasy related events. It is hoped that many local vendors and artists will participate in the entertainment and fair and the organisers would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in taking part. The admission ticket being offered is for general admission. See the website for information about the conference and exhibition.
The idea for Festival in the Shire was dreamed up by Mark Faith, a local book dealer specialising in Tolkien’s books. After the success of the Lord of the Rings films and with the release of the new Hobbit film in the next couple of years, the time seemed right for a Tolkien festival. Mark also felt that it was important that Festival in the Shire should be held in Machynlleth. Not only did the setting seem ideal for a Tolkien event but he hopes the town and surrounding communities will benefit economically. ‘My love for the geography and culture of this area is in part connected to my love of Tolkien’s books. I hope that this will turn into an annual event that will help local business and our community’.
For information visit www.FestivalintheShire.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
