Wordfest in Calgary and Banff

Literary festivals have a long and distinguished history. For generations people have been coming together to hear stories and to relish in the art of storytelling. Wordfest in Calgary and Banff continues that tradition. Avid readers still buy a lot of books and they are interested in seeing and hearing those authors in person. Literary festivals also sell a lot of books; whether they are self-published or published by a major publishing house, printing services are called upon to print millions of books every year.

Wordfest: International Writers Festival will take place in both Calgary and Banff beginning October 11 and running through October 16. The festival will present over 65 authors are various venues throughout both cities. Tickets cost from $6 to $20 for individual events; passes are available for $130 for all events, $100 for all Calgary events and $70 for all Banff events.

The festival will be kicked off with WordFeast; a fundraising dinner to support Wordfest. Attendees will have a chance to dine with the author’s who will be speaking at Wordfest. The event will take place at the Hotel Le German on October 11 from 6 pm to 9 pm; individual tickets cost $200.

Among the authors who will be appearing at Wordfest at a variety of venues are Will Ferguson, Charlotte Gill, Douglas Gibson, John Farrow and Arlene Dickinson. Also appearing are eight 2011 Giller prize nominees; David Bezmozgis, Guy Vandehaeghe, Lynn Coady, Marina Endicott, Zsuzs Gartner, Wayne Johnston, Dany Laferiere and Suzette Mayr. All in all this festival presents an amazing cross-section of Canadian literary figures.