Word Events to Go Online

South Tyneside's cultural venue The Word is calling on residents to give their views on which events they would most like to see run digitally.

Events and exhibitions at The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, were closed in March, meaning that many popular events had to be cancelled.

However, now plans are in the pipeline to run some events online so that they can still be enjoyed by people from the comfort and safety of their own home.

Deputy Leader with responsibility for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Tracey Dixon, said: "When we closed our doors in March nobody could have predicted how long or damaging this situation would be.

"Many of the staff from The Word were redeployed in other roles to support the response to the pandemic.

"However, we know that many of our residents look forward to the innovative events run at The Word so we want to continue to provide as much as we can, albeit delivered in a different way."

People are being encouraged to share their thoughts by completing a survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/R3RPXCN

One event which has already been confirmed is the WRITE Festival which will be held between 18 and 23 October.  The festival, 'which is delivered in partnership with South Tyneside Libraries and supported by the Arts Council, will celebrate the written word in all its forms and will have something for everyone from children to adults and aspiring writers. A number of events including writing workshops, a talk from crime writer Ann Cleeves, performances and crafty sessions will be on offer virtually. Various platforms such as Zoom and YouTube will be used to bring the festival directly into people's homes. Some events require booking in advance.

To find out more and how to get involved visit www.theworduk.org