6th ANNUAL KNYSNA LITERARY FESTIVAL KICKS OFF ON 18 MARCH 2015
IN CELEBRATION OF “WORLD DAY OF THEATRE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE”

KNYSNA (March 19, 2015) – Presented by Pam Golding Properties Knysna, the 6th annual Knysna Literary Festival officially commenced yesterday with a day-long celebration of youth.

Starting in the morning, children arrived at the Knysna Primary School by the busload, coming from schools all along the Garden Route, from Sedgefield to Plett, to see two sold-out performances by the Lilliput Players and Hare Manje. Knysna Literary Festival founder, Ling Dobson says the Children’s Theatre programme is particularly vital given that the majority of children here do not have access to theatre. “Giving children an opportunity to dream, to imagine other possibilities for their lives is an important gift every child deserves to receive. We all have a role to play, and this is just our small contribution,” says Dobson.

Now in its fourth year, this was the second year in a row that the Children’s Theatre was completely sold out with over 1,000 learners in attendance. The Children’s Theatre was followed by the Young Writers Awards Ceremony, where winners of the annual creative writing competition were announced. This year there were a record number of 286 entries, up from 181 entries in 2014, and 140 in 2013.

The 2015 winners of the Young Writers Awards are: English Poem: 1st Prize, Carly Emma Bam (Sedgefield Primary); 2nd Prize, Thomas Lidstone (Knysna Primary). Afrikaans Poem: 1st Prize, Else Wolmarans (Knysna Primary); 2nd Prize, Demi Knoetze (Knysna Primary). isiXhosa Poem: 1st Prize, Iviwe Mabukane (Chris Nissen Primary); 2nd Prize, Ayanda Ningi (Chris Nissen Primary). English Short Story: 1st Prize, Skye Ayla Mallac (Bay College); 2nd Prize, Johanna Metelerkamp (Knysna Montessori). Afrikaans Short Story: 1st Prize, Jade Benn (Knysna High School); 2nd Prize, Isabella de Beer (Knysna High School). isiXhosa Short Story: 1st Prize, Sanelisiwe NQini (Percy Mdala High School).

The full programme for the Knysna Literary Festival runs through 22 March 2015. Many events are sold out, but tickets for select events are still available online at www.webtickets.co.za, in-person at the Pam Golding Properties Knysna office located at 5 Gray Street in Knysna, or via EFT. Prices vary by event. For more information call 044 382 5574, email info@knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za, or view the programme online at www.knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za.

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