Books and Poetry Slam at Going West

Books of all shapes, sizes, age and condition come to the fore at the Going West Book Market on Saturday 5 September from 9am-2pm at Titirangi War Memorial Hall.

The Book Market is part of the month-long Going West Books and Writers Festival 2009 which celebrates the best in New Zealand writing and ideas across a range of events.

Be the first to delve among the wares from the best second-hand and rare booksellers in the region.

But the Book Market is more than just any book sale – you can enjoy displays, great local music, snacks, espresso and on-the-spot market valuations. New for 2009 is the Going West Book Auction in association with Bethunes@Webbs. Register for the auction with Murray Gray on 817-3236 or murray@gonewestbooks.com

Later on the same day at Titirangi War Memorial Hall, is the Sixth Annual Going West Poetry Slam where locals and those from further afield compete to be the best in performance poetry. With a first prize purse of $500, the event draws poets from around the country to put their rhyme on the line and slam with the best.

And if you’re too shy to take to the stage, cheer on the contestants. The action all gets underway at 7pm and entry is just $10 on the door.

This year marks 14 years since the Going West Books and Writers Festival 2009 was first started. The festival started in August with the sold-out season of Krishnan’s Dairy, and has included exhibitions, workshops and a writers in schools programme.

The highlight of the festival is the Literary Weekend ‘By Buy Bye The Book’ which takes place at Titirangi War Memorial Hall on September 11-13 and features leading contemporary New Zealand writers and wordsmiths as well as the world premiere of new poetry/music production North:South and a one night only performance of the award-winning Te Radar’s Eating The Dog.

The festival ends with Storyfest – a free family event at Kelston Community Centre on Saturday 26 September.

For the full programme and details on Going West Books and Writers Festival 2009, visit www.goingwest.co.nz