Jimmy McGovern to open Malpas Arts and Literary Festival

One of Britain's top screenwriters Jimmy McGovern is to open a new arts and literature festival near Whitchurch this summer.

The prolific dramatist and Bafta award-winner is due to open the inaugural Malpas Arts and Literary Festival in May.

Mr McGovern is the creator of TV drama Cracker starring Robbie Coltrane and also wrote dramas including The Lakes for the BBC.

More recently his work has been back on TV screens with new series Accused and The Street winning critical acclaim.

He is due to appear at the official curtain-raiser to the event at a performing arts venue in Broomy Bank, Hampton.

The new four-day event, dubbed Malfest, is set to run from May 19 to 22.

Festival organisers in Malpas, Hampton and Tushingham have been working hard to secure a line-up to suit all tastes.

Also set to appear at the festival are folksinger, songmaker and political activist Peggy Seeger and a roster of internationally acclaimed authors including names like Saul David, Adam Williams, Kate Long and Pam Kavanagh.

Iconic

American born, Peggy lived in the UK for 30 years and was married to Ewan MacColl who wrote the song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face for her.

Full details of prices and venues will be announced on http://malfest.com