The first Franschhoek Literary Festival in May 2007 was such a success that the Franschhoek Literary Festival is now on the literary map.

This year the Commonwealth Foundation is holding its annual Commonwealth Writers’ Prize final programme for the first time in South Africa.

Franschhoek Literary Festival 2008 promises to be one of the best literary events in South Africa.

This year’s Franschhoek Literary Festival 2008 will again be hosting 30+ dazzling authors and poets plus the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize regional winners and many others who love and promote books.

Readable books of good quality will be everywhere, with Wordsworth Books handling sales in the Town Hall and village book shops geared for browsers and buyers.

Enjoyable special events like poetry sessions, classical music concerts and book launches will be woven into the programme again, and playwright Mike van Graan will present another premiére:

Bafana Republic II, starring Lindiwe Matshikiza in the award-winning role she pioneered here last year.

Franschhoek Literary Festival 2008

Date: 16, 17 and 18 May 2008
Ticket Prices: R60 each; R20 for students
All information: www.flf.co.za

All proceeds of this unique Franschhoek Festival go to the Library Fund, dedicated to creating first-rate libraries in local schools.

Tickets for all events, including classical concerts and restaurant events, are available from the Franschhoek Wine Valley & Tourist Association.

Last-minute tickets may be booked at the Town Hall, from Friday 16 May. Tel: +27 (0)21 876 3603

Molo Says: The Franschhoek Literary Festival (FLF) in 2007 attracted an estimated 2 000 readers, writers, media people and book club members strolling through the village interacting with 30 writers and a number of publishers in lively informal discussions, poetry and classical music events, fundraisers, a literary breakfast, dinners in renowned restaurants, and over coffee and drinks.

All of the people involved in producing this first festival treasure the memory of writers talking so openly about their work and lives, readers crowding doorways to listen, and animated conversations about the pleasures of books and writing.

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