Showing posts with label Oakham Festival. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oakham Festival. Show all posts

Friday, May 29, 2015

Rutland CAMRA Beer Festival, Rutland County Museum, Oakham Festival

Rutland CAMRA Beer Festival

The 4th Rutland CAMRA beer festival at Rutland County Museum will feature 40 real ales with a good spread of light and dark ales as well as some festival specials. Real Ciders, Perries as well as continental bottled beers, soft drinks, food and entertainment are all on offer.

The event will feature an Ale Trail around local hostelries and live entertainment throughout the weekend.

Ingrid Schwartz
Saturday 2.00pm – 3.00pm

Talented female singer-songwriter Ingrid Schwartz performs a selection of her self-penned songs.

Ingrid released her debut album ‘Stories of Undecided Fate’. Featuring 11 original tracks, the album takes the listener on a musical journey displaying influences from artists such as Lisa Hannigan, Eva Cassidy and Damien Rice. Oozing alternative folk/blues vibes, her performance is supported by her backing band: bass player Jack Tasker and cajon player Sophie Tasker.

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June

The D’ukes of Rutland and The Palmeston Uke Band will be playing around the Ale Trail venues over the weekend to delight and entertain you whilst you try the many beers on offer.

Thursday 25th June
to
Sunday 28th June

TICKET INFO

Free all day Thursday and up to 6.00pm Friday and Saturday,
£3 charge thereafter.
Concessions for CAMRA members.

BOX OFFICE

Rutland County Museum
Catmos Street
Oakham
01572 758440

VENUE
Rutland County Museum

Anna’s Hope, a charity, Big Band Concert Oakham School, Oakham Festival

Big Band Concert Oakham School

Don’t miss this magical evening of music performed by the school’s top musicians.
With classic jazz, salsa, soul and pop, there is something for everyone, and the band never fails to impress! Come prepared with a festive picnic for the interval and have a drink at the marquee bar, which will be open all evening.

Retiring collection for Anna’s Hope, a charity supporting local children diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Thursday 25th June

Doors open at 6.45pm
Live music begins at 7.45pm
(two halves with a 30 minute interval)
Evening finishes at 10.45pm

TICKET INFO
£15.00 with advance booking

BOX OFFICE
Music Dept
Oakham School
01572 758820


VENUE
Marquee
Doncaster Close
Oakham

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Loyd Grossman, Oakham Festival, 2013, Toploader, Strike Up The Colours, The New Forbidden, Oakham Castle, Photographs

Oakham Festival, 2013, Oakham Castle

Toploader, Supported by The New Forbidden and Loyd Grossman, Strike Up The Colours, The Boobytraps, Locked Out, all performed at Oakham Castle, the highlight of this years Oakham Festival.
The large crowd enjoyed a super evening of live music from the Funk Tent, I enjoyed listening at the gate
as I volunteered to carry out some castle gate duty later in the evening.


Loyd Daniel Gilman Grossman, OBE Oakham Market Place

Twitter @loydgrossman


Loyd Daniel Gilman Grossman, OBE Oakham Market Place


an American-British television presenter 

Grossman's television début came in April 1987, as a roving presenter for Through the Keyhole, 
a programme examining the homes of the famous. Before leaving in 2003, 
Grossman made almost 400 appearances on the programme. In July 1990, 
he became the first presenter of MasterChef, which he presented for 10 years (apart from a year off), 
also fronting the children's version from 1995 until 1999. 
Other programmes include the History of British Sculpture (2003), 
and cookery show Step up to the Plate (2008) with Anton du Beke in which three amateur chefs 
competed against two professionals to produce the best three-course meal.

Grossman became a restaurant reviewer for Harpers & Queen and The Sunday Times.


Loyd Grossman with interviewer Rob Persani, Rutland Radio




Arrival at Oakham Castle


The Forbidden Band Members arriving at the Castle




Top Loader


Joseph Washbourn Toploader 


Daniel Hipgrave Toploader




Toploader are an English alternative rock band from Eastbourne who formed in 1997, 
with over two million album sales to their name and a string of top 20 hits both home and abroad. 
Their debut album, Onka's Big Moka, sold over one million units and remained in the Top 5 of the UK Albums Chart for over six months. However, they are recognised most of all for their cover of King Harvest's song "Dancing in the Moonlight", which became a global hit for the band. Their second album, Magic Hotel, reached number 3 in the UK Albums Chart.



Strike Up The Colours







Man in Orange Birthday Celebration Happy 40th



Leicestershire Police Rutland LPU Oakham @oakhampolice








I was asked by some Festival Organisers to show a defiant I don't care
look for Rutland County Council and Oakham Town Council and  Leicestershire
Police, due their idiotic ban from council premises so here it is behind bars!
and please Cllr Lucas how many times have I told you I am not deaf.
I was pleased to hear you are dealing with the councils destructive person and
everything is going well, Tell me if its going so well why did CPS chuck out 
your stupid charges for the second time? Pointing and talking about a person
standing less then 2 metres from you is not wise! I am pleased you and Bob 
could not find your ear plugs and departed fairly early, although I was not going 
to let you spoil my evening...







Saturday, June 29, 2013

Abi Moore, Oakham Festival, Oakham Castle, Grainstore Brewery, Funky Tents, Photographs, 2013



Abi Moore Performing last night for Oakham Festival at Oakham
Castle. Photograph taken by a blog supporter with my camera,
than you to them, I am sure Rutland County Council or Ds McDonald
from Leicestershire Police who have spoilt my summer here in Oakham
can arrest a camera for being on Council premises...

www.abimoore.com

 myspace.png youtube.png twitter.png  



Abi Moore Performing last night for Oakham Festival at Oakham
Castle. Photograph taken by a blog supporter with my camera,
than you to them, I am sure Rutland County Council or Ds McDonald
from Leicestershire Police who have spoilt my summer here in Oakham
can arrest a camera for being on Council premises...


Abi Moore Performing last night for Oakham Festival at Oakham
Castle. Photograph taken by a blog supporter with my camera,
than you to them, I am sure Rutland County Council or Ds McDonald
from Leicestershire Police who have spoilt my summer here in Oakham
can arrest a camera for being on Council premises...



Abi Moore Performing last night for Oakham Festival at Oakham
Castle. Photograph taken by a blog supporter with my camera,
than you to them, I am sure Rutland County Council or Ds McDonald
from Leicestershire Police who have spoilt my summer here in Oakham
can arrest a camera for being on Council premises...



Abi Moore From Castle Gate with other camera.



Abi Moore Performing last night for Oakham Festival at Oakham
Castle. Photograph taken by a blog supporter with my camera,
than you to them, I am sure Rutland County Council or Ds McDonald
from Leicestershire Police who have spoilt my summer here in Oakham
can arrest a camera for being on Council premises...There is no
rational reason why Rutland County Council and Leicester Police
have banned me from all Council premises.



Abi Moore Performing last night for Oakham Festival at Oakham
Castle. Photograph taken by a blog supporter with my camera,
than you to them, I am sure Rutland County Council or Ds McDonald
from Leicestershire Police who have spoilt my summer here in Oakham
can arrest a camera for being on Council premises...There is no
rational reason why Rutland County Council and Leicester Police
have banned me from all Council premises.



Funky Tent from Station Road fantastic free view and the sound
quality good enough to entertain the whole of Oakham.

If all the tickets for Toploader are sold out tonight I recommend
Cutts Close is a perfect location to sit and enjoy.

There should not be any clash with the terrible noise of last night,
coming from Oakham School end of term prom that  kept
most residents awake up to a mile away according to some local
tweeters. around 1.00am.

The Fireworks were great and the explosions set car alarms sounding
some distance away from the venue. levels of noise from the school
seemed to have returned to that of 2009. At least its only once and
we can all look forward to the summer school music Ashwell Road
very soon I guess.



The Grainstore Mobile Bar

www.grainstorebrewery.com



Mr Everett a festival helper








Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Knit & Natter Literary Trail, Oakham Festival

Knit & Natter Literary Trail

Enjoy a trip around the fascinating shops of Oakham Town and take part, absolutely free, in the ANIMALS IN LITERATURE TRAIL. Animals knitted by Oakham Knit and Natter Group will depict characters taken from books. Guess the authors and titles and have some fun. Prizes include substantial book tokens, a family ticket to Rutland Falconry Centre, The Rutland Osprey Project book by Tim Mackrill and many more. Quiz sheets available from Victoria Hall, High Street, Oakham and participating shops.

A Celebration of Early English Music, Leicester Recorder Players, Early Folk Songs, Miranda Heldt, Jennifer Partridge, celebration of folk songs, Chanterelle and friends, Oakham Festival

A Celebration of Early English Music

SUNDAY 30th JUNE @ Oakham Castle 7.30pm Tickets 5.00

Leicester Recorder Players will play a selection of early music including "Divers Pages from the Middle Ages" arranged by Steve Marshall, Sumer is Icumen In and Variations on Southwell by Daryl Runswick. Also a selection of Early Folk Songs sung by Miranda Heldt accompanied by Jennifer Partridge. The concert will end with a celebration of folk songs performed by Chanterelle and friends.

Toploader, Strike Up The Colours, The Boobytraps, Locked Out, The New Forbidden, Oakham Festival

TOPLOADER and supporting bands

gdsb
SATURDAY 29th JUNE @ Funky Tent 5.00pm - Tickets 15.00 in advance, 18.00 on the gate
A full bar will be available, supplied by The Grainstore Brewery.

The Rutland Lions will be providing a tempting BBQ.
 
Toploader are a British band from Eastbourne who formed in 1997. With over two million album sales to their name and a string of top 20 hits both home and abroad, Toploader quickly became one of the most popular acts in British music.
Their debut album, Onkas Big Moka sold over 1 million units and remained in the Top 5 of the UK album chart for over six months. Their cover of King Harvests song  Dancing in the Moonlight became a global hit for the band. Their second album Magic Hotel, reached number 3 in the UK Albums Chart.
The band decided to break up in 2003 due to the demise of their record label S2 but after an extended hiatus signed a one-album deal with Underdogs Music for their third album which was released in June 2011. The albums title was Only Human and the first single from it, Never Stop Wondering, was released in March 2011.
In February 2013 Toploader have released a new single, Turn It Around, co-written with award-winning songwriter Eg White and produced by Andrew Green. The song is included on a four-song EP, and has received positive reviews and extensive radio play on Radio 2. It is widely considered their best song since the first album and a subsequent tour is planned including this visit to the Oakham Festival.

Strike Up The Colours is a four-piece Pop/Rock band from Oakham, Rutland. They are currently playing shows in local venues as well as playing in bigger cities such as Leicester at venues such as The Soundhouse and Firebug.

The Boobytraps The 'Traps' have been described as 'the next biggest thing to come out of Leicester since Kasabian’.




 
Locked Out

Locked Out like to play a wide range of music, everything from funk through rock n' roll to the latest indie hits.
The band are based in the Counties of Rutland and Leicestershire, but work a much wider area.  Formed in 2008 to play a one off charity gig, Locked Out had so much fun they decided to continue.  Over the years they have built up a comprehensive play list of hit songs and even play a few tunes you will have forgotten too.

 THE NEW FORBIDDEN

newforbidLoyd Grossman's American punk band "Jet Bronx And The Forbidden" was a cult hit in the early 1980s, and it was in late 2007 that the band rose from the ashes with a new line-up as "The New Forbidden". Loyd asked old friend Valentine Guinness to sing lead vocal, and Valentine brought with him long term collaborator James Baring on bass guitar.  Mancunian Sam Stopford plays drums and Tom Hughes is on keyboards.  The vocals are ably backed up by backing singer Leila.

The original aim was to enable Loyd to appear at the Rebellion Festival at the Blackpool Winter Gardens in August 2008. As the gigs stacked up and the band developed a wealth of new songs it became clear that the project had a big future to add to an illustrious past.  With Loyd's 1968 Gibson guitar driving the music, The New Forbidden produce a wild, catchy sound with a modern angst-ridden edge, but the influence of the golden age of the UK/US New Wave stays as a rich thread through the material.  There are shades of Blondie, Iggy Pop, The Killers, The Damned, The Only Ones, Richard Hell, The Smiths and The Doors.

Since June 2008 The New Forbidden have played extensively in the UK and Ireland at venues varying from the Glastonbury, Belladrum, Rhythm and Cornbury festivals, the Borderline Club, the Cobden Club, Putney Half Moon and Soho's 100 Club.Â

The first album, Ain't Doin' Nothin', is on iTunes and Amazon.

Rural Craft Fair, Oakham Castle grounds, Oakham Festival

Rural Craft Fair THIS IS AN OUTDOOR EVENT

SUNDAY 30th JUNE @ Oakham Castle grounds 2.00pm - 4.00pm Free

A feast of rural crafts and pastimes for the family to watch and learn about skills from the past. The Castle grounds will be full of colour and stalls from a past age with music and dancing to keep you entertained.

Open Studios Artists, Weekend Exhibition, Oakham Castle, Oakham Festival

Open Studios Artists - Weekend Exhibition
SATURDAY 29th JUNE @ Oakham Castle 10.00am - 4.00pm Free

The Open Studios artists will have a group show at the Castle. Artists from across all media will exhibit at the Oakham Castle. This is your chance to view all the fantastic talent and ideas from our Open Studios artists. They will be able to talk about their work and inspire you with the depth and range of the work they produce.


Oakfest, Oakham Castle grounds, Oakham Festival

Oakfest! THIS IS AN OUTDOOR EVENT

SATURDAY 29th JUNE @ Oakham Castle grounds 12.00pm - 4.00pm Free

Workshops, music, food, performances and fun for all the family in the Castle grounds. Join us for a chance to dance, sing, create art, make crafty things and listen to all our local talented performers who include Front Porch Preachers, Magoo & Donut Panic.

Singer/Songwriter Night, Funky Tent, Oakham Castle, Featuring Jon Allen, Lisbee Stanton & Abi Moore, Oakham Festival

Singer/Songwriter Night THIS IS AN OUTDOOR EVENT

FRIDAY 28th JUNE @ Funky Tent, Oakham Castle 7.00pm

Tickets 9.00 in advance, 12 on the gate

Featuring Jon Allen, Lisbee Stanton & Abi Moore


Jon Allenjon allen
“Evocative of Dylan, Cat Stevens and Nick Drake…Exemplary” Uncut
“One of the most amazing voices I’ve heard this year” Jools Holland
“Wonderfully mellow finger picking country blues…” Classic Rock

‘The new Dylan’ has been the tag line hung like a noose around the neck of many an emerging male solo artist down the years, the female equivalent being ‘the new Joni Mitchell’. More often than not the Dylan label is misleading because artists for whom it is applied bear at best a passing artistic connection to Bob Dylan and at worst no connection whatsoever.
jon allen2For fear of falling into the aforementioned trap perhaps this headline of this press release should read ‘Jon Allen. Not the new Dylan’!  For a start he’s a lot taller (6.1”). He’s British and has a voice more like Rod Stewert’s than Dylan’s. (That’s the credible, Faces/first few solo album’s Rod. The best white male soul singer these isles have ever produced Rod. Did I hear someone shout ‘What about Mick Hucknall?’ No, I didn’t think so). Even though Dylan the man is short, his shoes are big and hard to fill. Without loading Allen down with the heavy Dylan mantle that has crushed so many with the weight of expectation unfulfilled it can be said without hyperbole that his music shares a natural connection with Dylan’s in its lyrical and melodic approach. Also Allen’s new album ‘Sweet Defeat’ might just be his ‘Blood On The Tracks’.  Like Dylan’s 1974 classic it’s a break up record. Far from being a purely melancholic offering it expresses the full range of emotions that love elicits from the heady abandon of the first flush of romance to the sadness and regret of love lost and hope obscured.  Recorded with the same producer and group of musicians who contributed to his acclaimed debut album ‘Dead Man’s Suit’, ‘Sweet Defeat’ is an eleven-song collection that displays the maturity and cohesiveness of an artist growing in confidence.  It builds on acoustic foundations, ranging from solo finger picked songs to the album’s title track, an upbeat number complete with a brass section that conjures up memories of Van Morrison at his soulful best.
The release of ‘Sweet Defeat’ comes exactly two years after a debut record that garnered no less than five BBC Radio 2 play-listed singles, an appearance on Later with Jools Holland and success in the rest of Europe prompting the Sunday Times to dub Allen “2009’s indie success Story”. He has certainly had very little time to sit back and take in his achievements.  His popularity in The Netherlands has been aided by the support of Holland’s biggest film star Carice Van Houten.  She discovered his music and began twittering his praises to her many followers helping make him a household name in the territory. British actor David Morrissey also name checked ‘Dead Man’s Suit’ as a favourite record in a recent Q interview.


Lisbee StaintonLisbee-hi res photo

 is a 24 year-old singer-songwriter known as 'The English Rose With The 8-String Guitar', who has been writing songs for almost 15 years.
She graduated in 2009 from Goldsmiths College, University of London, with a degree in Popular Music and her first album release under her belt, 'Firefly', produced by Guildford-based producer, Rain
Lisbee originally launched her career five years ago, when she became the first unsigned singer-songwriter to play London's O2 Arena, performing two shows to 30,000 people.
However, it wasn't until BBC 6Music DJ Tom Robinson asked Lisbee for a copy of her single 'Red' after hearing it on her MySpace page that the ball really started rolling. Describing Lisbee on air as "a serious young talent", it was Robinson's support that led to her debut single 'Red' eventually being playlisted by BBC Radio 2 in January 2009.
The subsequent release of Lisbee's second album 'Girl On An Unmade Bed', which was produced by Rupert Christie (U2, Greenday, Lou Reed, Echo and the Bunnymen, Fisherman's Friends) & recorded at Abbey Road Studios, announced the arrival of a serious songwriting talent. A second single, 'Never Quite An Angel', was also playlisted by Radio 2, while the album's third single, 'Just Like Me', was voted 'Record of The Week' on BBC 6Music's Radcliffe & Maconie Show.
'Girl On An Unmade Bed' subsequently received a barrage of critical acclaim from the UK's national and music press, and its success brought Lisbee to the attention of Joan Armatrading, who personally chose Lisbee to be the main support act for her extensive 73-date tour of the UK and mainland Europe, including a sold-out home-town concert at The Royal Albert Hall.
Shortly afterwards, Lisbee was a featured artist on BBC Radio 2's prestigious 'In Concert' series, before embarking on a forty-four-date headline European tour, which was quickly followed by dates supporting Belgian star Tom Dice and The Maverick's Raul Malo, who personally invited Lisbee to join him onstage for a duet.
In the Spring of 2011, as the finishing touches were being added to Lisbee's third album, 'Go', Paul Carrack invited her to be the main support act for his tour of mainland Europe, describing Lisbee as "the new Joni Mitchell".
'Wrench', the first single taken from 'Go', was released in August 2011 and was described by The Daily Mirror's Gavin Martin as, "A tantalising glimpse of the new music Lisbee has been developing..."
 Speaking about the writing process behind 'Go', Lisbee said, "At the end of spending most of 2010 on tour, when I sat down to write those songs it became apparent very quickly that a lot of my experiences within the previous eighteen-months were going to play a big part in moulding the album and they gave me a real sense of direction in terms of the songwriting, hence the title, 'Go'. It was my favourite project of my career so far."
 'Go' received more praise from the UK's national press, and several of the album's tracks received yet more airplay from Radio 2, amongst others. The past twelve months have also seen Lisbee completed twenty-three intimate 'Living Room' concerts (including a date aboard the nuclear submarine HMS Vigilant), a UK tour with Gretchen Peters, European tour dates with Seth Lakeman and a live session and interview for Radio 2's The Bob Harris Show.
 Lisbee rounded off 2012 with a UK tour supporting Ben Montague a series of her own headline dates and a concert hall tour with Seth Lakeman but this time as a special guest in Seth’s band. 
2013 sees her playing her own headline tour of the UK in March, plus more touring with Seth Lakeman and the release of a new album. 
Lisbee Stainton's star continues its rise.
"Bound for glory.an exquisite slice of traditional songwriting" - The Times
"Cultured folk pop" - The Independent on Sunday
"Impressive" - The Daily Express
"Lisbee's appeal is clear: slowly revolving rhythms, wistful English melancholy with a soul undertow, and a sweet folk-pop voice." - MOJO
"English Rose Lisbee Stainton comes of age" - Maverick magazine

Abi Mooreabimoore

With her foundations rooted in acoustic music, Abi’s songs are well crafted, accessible and full of warmth, reminiscent of 70’s songwriters Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel. Add in some modern- day relevance, cynical grit, a glance to Sheryl Crow and Karine Polwart and then lace it all up with thought provoking, observational, truthful and socially aware lyrics. If that doesn’t get you hooked, her astounding voice certainly will.

Staunchly independent, Abi’s music is made without major - label interference and genre barriers. She self- released both of her albums, “The Aftermath of ‘96” in 2006 and her second album “Things We Should’ve Said” along with a live DVD in 2009. She completed a massive 70- date national tour as Artist of the Month for Caffe Nero in the summer of 2009 and her albums were played in all 360 of their UK branches.
Abi is currently working on her third album.



Big Band Bonanza, Oakham School Marquee, Oakham Festival

Big Band Bonanza

THURSDAY 27th JUNE @ Oakham School Marquee 7.30pm Tickets 14.00

A night of music and festivity led by Oakham’s top student jazz musicians and singers.

Tickets available only from Oakham School, tel. 01572 758820


http://pubs.oakham.rutland.sch.uk/Oakham_Arts_2013_Summer/index.html#/16/

Celebrity Organ Recital Robert Quinney, All Saints Church, Oakham Festival

Celebrity Organ Recital Robert Quinney

WEDNESDAY 26th JUNE @ All Saints’ Church 7.30pm Tickets 8.00

Prior to becoming Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral, Robert was Sub-organist at Westminster Abbey and played for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011. He is a well-known recitalist, and is also director of Oundle for Organists.




The Battle of the Bands, The Grainstore Brewery, Oakham Festival

Battle of the Bands

WEDNESDAY 26th JUNE - 4.30pm

The Battle of the Bands is back at The Grainstore Brewery! This is a competition for young bands from in and around the Rutland area that have two or more members. Entry forms must be returned along with a demo by Friday June 10th

Email anne@musicandmore.co.uk or visit Music and More on Oakham High Street for an entry form.

Prizes for the winner include the opportunity to play on the Funky Tent Stage supporting Toploader and other great bands during Oakham Festivals 'Funky Tent' Weekend at Oakham 

Oakham School Chamber Choir, Oakham Festival, All Saints Church

Oakham School Chamber Choir

WEDNESDAY 26th JUNE @ All Saints Church 1.30pm Free

A lunchtime concert to include Britten Flower Songs, op. 47

Rutland Concert Band, A Selection For Summer, Oakham Festival, Oakham Castle

Rutland Concert Band A Selection For Summer

TUESDAY 25th JUNE @ Oakham Castle 7.30pm Tickets 7.00

This evening’s selection will involve Lancaster bombers, hunting horses and a wild train journey followed by a Queen classic and a trip through the West End, calling on The Lion King, West Side Story & Les Misrables.

John Siddique, Full Blood, Oakham Castle, Oakham Festival

John Siddique - Full Blood

MONDAY 24th JUNE @ Oakham Castle 7.30pm Tickets 5.00
th_John%20Siddique%20-%20Whitworth%20Gallery

The Oakham Festival is delighted to welcome John Siddique to Oakham for an evening poetry reading. John Siddique is the bestselling author of Full Blood, Recital – An Almanac, Poems From A Northern Soul, and The Prize. His poetry collection Don’t Wear It On Your Head is a perennial favourite with younger readers. He is the co-author of the story/memoir Four Fathers. 'Each word is to be savoured like a sip of forbidden wine.’ The Dawn: Books & Authors
setfords'A stellar British poet' The Spectator
      Poetry events sponsored by

John Siddique's writing has the advantage of being true. He is the bestselling author of Full Blood, Recital – An Almanac, Poems From A Northern Soul, and The Prize. His children's collection Don’t Wear It On Your Head is a perennial favourite with younger readers. He is the co-author of the story/memoir Four Fathers.
His poems, essays and articles have featured in Granta, The Guardian, Poetry Review, The Rialto and on BBC Radio 4. The Spectator refers to him as 'A stellar British poet.’The Times of India calls him 'Rebellious by nature, pure at heart.' Acclaimed novelist Bina Shah says he is 'One of the best poets of our generation.'
Siddique is well known for his captivating readings, and his infectious love of literature. This highly influential writer has worked with The British Council, PEN, The Arvon Foundation, The Poetry Society and London 2012. He is the former British Council Writer-in-Residence at California State University, Los Angeles. Think-Tank QED considers John to be one of the 21 most influential British people with South Asian heritage. John was awarded the title of Honorary Creative Writing Fellow by Leicester University in recognition of his contributions to literature.
'John Siddique's writing brims with verve, depth and pathos' - The Big Issue

"YES!!! Poetry for Young People with John Siddique, Oakham Festival, Oakham Library

"YES!!! Poetry for Young People with John Siddique

MONDAY 24th JUNE @ Oakham Library 2.00pm For schools, invitation only

John Siddique is one of the country’s favourite writers. He writes separately for both children and adults. The young people’s strand of his work sees him working closely with schools to present writing, language, literacy, literature, poetry and creative practices in such a fun and exciting way that the learning almost takes care of itself. This is an event for junior school pupils aged 7 years to 11 years.

Bugsy Malone, Oakham School, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Oakham Festival

Bugsy Malone

SATURDAY 22nd June - MONDAY 24th June @ QET 7.45

http://pubs.oakham.rutland.sch.uk/Oakham_Arts_2013_Summer/index.html#/14/

Poetry Writers’ Workshop The Music Within, Buttercross House, Oakham Festival

Poetry Writers’ Workshop The Music Within AGE 16 & OVER

SUNDAY 23rd JUNE @ Buttercross House, Church Passage, Oakham 2.30pm

Tickets 10.00

Oakham Festival invites you to spend a couple of hours creating poetry with John Siddique. Explore the beauty and inner music of the language whilst developing a number of poetry ideas under John’s kind but watchful eye. The session is open to any level of writer.