KNYSNA NEWS - Another lucky Knysna learner has recently been awarded a school bursary thanks to the Knysna Literary Festival.

Festival founder Ling Dobson said she is thrilled that the event's bursary programme has taken off. 

"We paid the annual school fees for the eighth student at Knysna Primary School," said Dobson. 

The funds were raised by festival events and contributions from private individuals and local businesses.

The festival is also facilitating creative-writing workshops at schools in the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay area. "We have partnered with the Knysna Initiative for Learners and Teachers and this year's workshops, facilitated by FunDZa, are taking place in the second week of October. More than 10 schools will participate over the five days and the main aim is to stimulate literary awareness, focusing on both the skill and sheer enjoyment of writing."

Dobson thanked the public for their support. "Without them buying the tickets and attending the events, none of these initiatives would be possible. Next year promises to be another exciting event – watch this space and join us for some debate and discussions around interesting topics, being taken away on amazing journeys with our authors, and of course, some great fun, food and wine."

Planning for next year's event is in full swing and another stimulating programme awaits, said Dobson.

"The Knysna Literary Festival will take place between 6 and 8 March 2020 and the programme will include festival favourites such as the Fate of the Nation debates, economic panel and the Delicious Word Journey. There are also some exciting new events in the pipeline that we can't wait to share with our supporters."

Pam Golding Properties Knysna and Plettenberg Bay will sponsor the festival, which remains a firm favourite on the Garden Route events calendar. Dobson said there is such a demand for event tickets that capacity in terms of sales influenced their choice of venues for next year.

'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'