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Winchester shouts about the National Year of Reading

To celebrate the National Year of Reading, Winchester City Council's Cultural Services Division has co-ordinated an exciting collection of literary treats for all ages to encourage everyone to experience the written word in innovative ways. An inspiring series of events, Winchester Out Loud takes literature beyond the confines of print to showcase it through art; toast it with wine; and even skate to it.

The National Year of Reading dedicates each month of 2008 to a particular aspect of reading; October's focus is reading out loud, hence the title of this Winchester festival. The celebration throws a spotlight on writing and language through story tellings, author talks and the local launch of high-profile, nationally released book.

Links with Halloween have not been overlooked, either, as the event launches on 31 October. Children will have the chance to devise their own beastly poetry at a Grimm and Grotty workshop, linked to the Discovery Centre's exhibition of David Hockney's illustrative interpretations of Grimms' well-known fairy tales. Meanwhile Fright Night offers adults a spine-tingling evening of supernatural anticipation: first take a spooky guided tour around Winchester's darkest ghostly streets then, if you dare, enter the Theatre Royal Winchester to hear the very first reading of a brand new ghost story for the city - who knows where it might end, or who else might be listening?

If that all sounds too much, then why not drop in to the Discovery Centre on 3 November to find out why everyone is getting positively squippy about the English Project's first book, Kitchen Table Lingo. Or try a rather unusual wine-tasting at the Slug and Lettuce on 6 November, when wines from around the world are being offered alongside readings from the same countries.

Winchester Out Loud's highlight is the Wessex Children's Book Festival which runs from 24 to 30 November and gives children and parents the rare opportunity to meet favourite authors. The line-up includes Charlie Higson, Titania Woods and Malorie Blackman, who will be signing their books at Winchester Guildhall on 29 and 30 November.

Winchester City Council's portfolio holder for heritage, culture and sport, Cllr Patricia Stallard, said:

"As we approach winter, it seems the perfect time to settle down with a book for a good read. But Winchester Out Loud reminds us that reading is a source of inspiration, providing as it does opportunities for some wonderful social occasions and some quite unexpected physical activities. We have been delighted by the way that our partners have seized the 'out loud' concept to liven up the drab month of November for the benefit of local people."

Accessing the details of these and all the other events that make up Winchester Out Loud, couldn't be easier - simply go to the dedicated website at www.winchesteroutloud.org.uk. More information on the National Year of Reading is available at www.yearofreading.org.uk.