The Word is back on the street

The Word On The Street, Canada’s National book and magazine festival, is moving back to the street, in downtown Halifax. On Sunday September 26, Victoria Park (corner of Spring Garden and South Park) will be transformed into a tented village celebrating literacy and reading. The event runs from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and admission is FREE. 

After 10 years indoors, the Halifax society is returning to its roots and will once again be hosting the festival at an outdoor venue. Victoria Park is the perfect place with its central location and unique park features such as the fountain, trees, and pathways; and of course, poet Robbie Burns. Festival organizers are grateful for the support of the HRM Civic Events team and the Spring Garden Area Business Association, who have both supported bringing the festival back to the street. There is a plan to move exhibitors indoors should the weather be prohibitive.

Heather Fegan – Co-chair of the Board for The Word On The Street Halifax Festival – says, “Returning to an outdoor venue and celebrating literacy in such a vibrant setting in downtown Halifax will help bring the festival to life.  The event will offer visitors a diverse and open look at literacy and reading.” Fegan says, “We want every participant to find something exciting at the festival.” Past festivals have seen up to 30,000 people in attendance.

This event is funded, in-part, through contributions from all three levels of government. The remainder of the funding needed to host the Festival each year is raised through sponsorships and charitable donations. Partnership opportunities are available for local businesses whose community investment policies align with the organization’s mission.

Highlights of this year’s event: 

The festival will again look to celebrate Canadian and Atlantic Canadian talent. The day’s events will include readings, panels, debates and interactive discussions with nationally and locally recognized authors and publishers.

Back by popular demand - ‘Pitch the Publisher’ returns. Aspiring authors can ‘pitch’ their story or book idea to a panel of seasoned publishers and glean professional insight on their story concepts.  This star session is programmed in tandem with the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association.

Always a family-favourite, the children’s area provides an opportunity for parents and kids to read, relax, and listen to favourite authors and storytellers. There will be plenty to do witha variety of onsite crafts and entertainment.

A new addition to the festival is an area showcasing reading and writing through the use of ‘digital’ tools. With the rise in digital technology, the festival will highlight a variety of interactive tools such as e-readers, internet services and audio books.

There will be multitudes of booksellers in the marketplace and a few special performances. Watch for program updates in the coming weeks at www.thewordonthestreet.ca/halifax

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sean Williams

(902)220-5945  

Halifax@thewordonthestreet.ca

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