Mark your calendars for 17-19 May 2024 and explore the vibrant streets of Franschhoek, where book enthusiasts gather for the celebrated Franschhoek Literary Festival (FLF). This annual festival, located in the picturesque village venues within walking distance of each other, provides a unique platform for progressive discourse and cultural engagement.
The Franschhoek Literary Festival is preceded by the Franschhoek Reading Festival Week with captivating activities like storytelling, puppetry, and word games that delight and engage young learners. This week-long celebration builds anticipation and sets the perfect stage for the main event, concluding with the Phendulani Quiz just as the literary festival begins.
The festival itself features an impressive lineup of both South African and international authors, thought leaders, and performers. Attendees can look forward to a rich schedule that includes storytelling, business breakfasts, live performances, film documentaries, and interactive writing workshops.
Central to the festival is its commitment to community and educational development. The FLF has set an ambitious goal to raise funds for 27 000 books to meet the South African school library standard – 10 books per learner in the four schools it supports. This initiative not only enhances the reading culture in the broader Franschhoek community, but also involves young people in library activities, fostering a lasting love for reading.
The FLF’s mission extends beyond entertainment, striving to inspire, inform, and challenge its audience. With a focus on securing the future of both the festival and its extensive library programme through a membership drive, the FLF continues to be a cornerstone event that celebrates literature while making a profound impact on the community’s educational resources.
