Sydenham Arts - Word Fair

biscuitman1978 · Post by **biscuitman1978** » 1 Mar 2015 18:02

We're just days away from Word Fair, Sydenham Arts' ten day celebration of books, reading, the spoken word and poetry. With a wide range of events, many of which are free, there will be something for everyone. Do join us if you can! You'll find the full programme of events at http://www.sydenhamarts.co.uk/whats-on/

And don't forget Sydenham Arts' world record attempt! On Sunday 8 March we'll be trying to break the record for the longest continuous trail of children’s books, with a line of books stretching from Kirkdale Bookshop to Sydenham Community Library.

We hope to complete the line of books by 11am, but do join us beforehand to help us set up the trail if you can. We have lots of children's books already, but please bring along any children's books you'd like to donate. And best of all, children are very welcome to take away a book once we've completed our world record attempt.

See you there! More info at http://www.sydenhamarts.co.uk/event/wor ... he-street/

louisecbrooks · Post by **louisecbrooks** » 3 Mar 2015 23:18

We have the Philosophy Foundation holding an evening of adult story-telling entitled An Arabian Tale: Words and Wisdom, at The Shop Revolution Marketplace at 167 Sydenham Rd as a late entry to the fair. Tickets are free but you will need to book in advance: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-arabi ... 5942969852. There will be a bar and a suitably apt menu to help you navigate your way through the philosophical discussion!

safdirector · Post by **safdirector** » 4 Mar 2015 14:30

We're now delighted to announce that Lewisham Council have granted us permission for a very temporary Road Closure on Sun 8 March for our spectacular World Record Attempt. Details here:

[url][/http://www.sydenhamarts.co.uk/event/wor ... street/url]

We do still need:

Volunteers on the day to help lay out the books and assist after the event to distribute books to the public - please come along from 9am if you can help
Books! Please donate good quality children's books - these may be left at either Sydenham Library or Kirkdale Bookshop
Independent witnesses - to adjudicate that the line of books is completed and unbroken. To be considered, please email director@sydenhamartsfestival.co.uk

Hope to see you on the day!

Sydenham Arts Word Fair organising team

KM · Post by KM » 4 Mar 2015 22:02

Sounds fantastic! Looking forward to it!

safdirector · Post by **safdirector** » 5 Mar 2015 11:38

Anyone able to lend a wheelbarrow or two for Sunday's world record attempt? We still need volunteers to help lay out 5000+ books the length of the high street and this would seem a good way to move them about! Please message here or email director@sydenhamartsfestival.co.uk

biscuitman1978 · Post by **biscuitman1978** » 9 Mar 2015 00:03

After a fantastic start to Word Fair, Sydenham Arts has another week of excellent events coming up.

With poetry, storytelling, rap and theatre, and with a number of the events completely free, there's something for everyone.

Check out the programme at http://www.sydenhamarts.co.uk/whats-on/

See you there!

biscuitman1978 · Post by **biscuitman1978** » 16 Mar 2015 22:29

Just a quick word of thanks to all those involved in Word Fair, particularly Jonathan.

I had a great time at a number of the events including (in reverse order) yesterday's New London Monologues, Saturday's Alan Johnson 'in conversation' event, Thursday's film documentary and Sunday's world record attempt.

Looking forward to more from Sydenham Arts later in 2015!

leenewham · Post by **leenewham** » 16 Mar 2015 22:40

I'd also like to say thank you. We went to the library event on Saturday and had a nice time.

Well done to all the local hero's involved.

owlwise · Post by **owlwise** » 22 Mar 2015 22:12

Does anyone know if the book trail achieved the world record?

safdirector · Post by **safdirector** » 24 Mar 2015 10:06

We are waiting to hear back from Guinness, who will need to verify that our attempt was successful. But we believe we achieved a world record distance of 0.6993 miles (or 1115.8 metres).

Thanks to everyone who took part!

If you attended Sydenham Arts Word Fair - or even if you didn't - we'd love your feedback on the events, our publicity material and our new South Circular magazine. Complete the survey here and enter a prize draw to win a bottle of champagne!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TBKRTSY

Nigel · Post by **Nigel** » 29 Mar 2015 21:22

Sorry to say I didn't try it but I thought the poetry take-away in Venner Square was a brilliant idea - I truly admire people with that kind of originality and flair .

A very evening
Nigel

sydres · Post by **sydres** » 27 Apr 2015 21:03

Does anybody know if the world record was achieved? If yes, how about a permanent record (a sign perhaps) somewhere?

SydArts · Post by **SydArts** » 28 Apr 2015 11:25

Hi Sydres,
We are currently waiting for conformation of the record attempt! We will let you know when we hear back, finger crossed!!

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