WordFest

About the WordFest

Every year, during the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, the Rhodes University hosts the acclaimed WordFest event. This event is aimed at promoting word-arts in all of its modern, innovative and creative forms. This intriguing event is not only to entertain, but also to foster a reading and writing culture in South Africa, particularly in the African tongues.

Although there are more than 100 activities that make up the annual WordFest, the highlights include:

• Between 20 and 30 book launches
• Various lectures
• A number of excellent performances
• Media contracts with the print and broadcast media
• Junior and high school developmental projects
• Interesting seminars
• Beautiful exhibitions
• Useful workshops
• Open mike sessions
• A restaurant
• A retail book outlet (Exclusive Books)
• WordStock (a daily literary newspaper)

This is the only national multilingual festival of languages and literatures in the country, and its success is undeniable when one considers that it has been going for well over a decade.

It is based at the Institute for the Study of English at Rhodes University, and the actual event is held in the Eden Grove Building on the campus.

Visitors heading to Grahamstown for the WordFest event will also, no doubt, enjoy the many museums throughout this historical little university town, as well as the old architecture. The Albany Museum and Observatory Museum are must-sees during your time here. In addition, the Thomas Baines Nature Reserve is just outside Grahamstown and is a fantastic place to see some of the fauna and flora of the Eastern Cape.

To avoid disappointment it is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance for this event. Visit the Grahamstown Accommodation pages to find guest houses, hotels and self catering places to stay and for additional info about Grahamstown which includes attractions, restaurants and things to do, see Grahamstown Info.