Literature festival is up Kevin Kennedy's street

Kevin Kennedy

Actor Kevin Kennedy, best known for his role as Coronation Street’s Curly Watts, will be appearing at Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival in October.

Kevin, one of the UK’s most successful soap actors, has since become a West End star, treading the boards in the smash hit musical ‘We Will Rock You’.

His appearance at the Literature and Ideas Festival will coincide with the release of his tell-all autobiography: ‘The street to recovery’ – will cover his 20 years on the street, his battle with addiction and recovery, as well as his future plans in the entertainment world.

At the festival he’ll be talking candidly about his life, and answering questions from the audience. As a festival exclusive, Kevin will also be signing copies of the book. With the autobiography not officially released until the end of October it will be a chance to get hold of an advance copy.

The three day festival runs from 25-27 October, and promises an inspiring schedule of events covering drama, dance, music, theatre, films and visual arts. The festival will also include a series of live performances and family friendly activities, all linked to literature and philosophy.

Already on the line-up is the Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, broadcaster and comedian Gyles Brandreth, Dragons Den winner Mark Champkins, poet Simon Armitage and MOBO award-winning rapper Akala.

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Customer Services said: "We are really pleased Kevin Kennedy will be appearing at the first Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival. He is one of television’s national treasures and his story of recovery from addiction is truly inspirational. I’m sure he’ll get a warm welcome.”

The festival will take place at various venues across the borough and is aimed at all ages, providing a chance to get together with others to share or discover a passion for reading and books.

The festival is taking place due to the generosity of Annie and Frank Maskew, a Rochdale couple who shared a passion for reading and thinking, and originally met in Rochdale Library. They left a sum of money to be used on resources and events related to literature, and philosophy to ensure classic works are available for future generations.

The event is organised by Rochdale Council, funded by the Maskew Bequest and the Arts Council’s Grants for the Arts Award.