Fay Weldon draws crowd at Wellington Literary Festival

Novelist and playwright Fay Weldon wowed the audience at the opening of Wellington Literary Festival. The writer spoke to a packed audience of 200 people at Wrekin College's Centenary Theatre on Saturday evening.

The 80-year-old was interviewed at the front of the hall and then fielded questions from the audience about her writing career.

Chairman of the festival committee, Pat Fairclough, said: "It was a fantastic start to the festival. We picked the Centenary Theatre because it was a little more intimate than the Memorial Hall.

"But people came down hours before the talk to make sure they got a good seat, it was very well received.

"As well as the show we hosted a civic reception with mayors and other dignitaries from across Shropshire."

Miss Weldon was brought up in New Zealand and was the writer of the first episode of Upstairs Downstairs. She is the current Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University.

Mrs Fairclough added: "Fay told me she had great evening and the college grounds looked fantastic in the late summer sunshine.

"We now have a number of events over the next few weeks to keep everyone entertained.

"This includes Radio Four poet Ian McMillan coming to Wellington on Friday. There are only a few tickets left so contact Wellington Town Council for more information."

For tickets call (01952) 567697.