And what a weekend it was!  Howling wind and 100mm of rain, swiftly-running gutters, mud everywhere – aptly renamed “book weather”.

“I enjoyed the FLF enormously. Even the rain didn't cause havoc in the way it might have. There was such a cheerful, good atmosphere,” said Colleen Higgs, publisher at Modjaji Books.

Readers scurried through the deluge to grab a bite or a cup of coffee before packing four venues to listen to absorbing discussions about books and writers, accompanied by much laughter and glorious music in the church.

“What an extraordinary four days I had in Franschhoek,” said Jenny Crwys Williams of 702 Radio. “When I spoke to locals, they were all quite proprietary and proud about the Festival. They’d watched it grow and could see the advantages to having it for the village. Just wonderful and serious brownie points to everyone concerned.”

There were 42 events and 56 writers, poets and chair people. Over 3 400 seats were taken up, with approximately 1 000 more tickets sold than last year. A bevy of publishers watched, listened and held candlelit dinners. Journalists clamoured for media seats. Cameras flashed everywhere.

Some of the highlights of a weekend of spirited debates included the lively discussion in the packed School Hall with charismatic Vikas Swarup, author of Q&A that became the Oscar grabbing movie, Slumdog Millionaire, a rush on the ticket sales table when Zapiro joined the programme line-up, and a hint that André P. Brink’s next book might be set partly in Franschhoek.

The first South African Wine Writers Prize, including a unique “certificate” (artwork) designed by Pippa Skotnes, was handed over to Joanne Gibson, the winner. Many of the authors visited local schools on the Friday morning to do writing workshops; others visited the local prison.

“From the first night at La Brasserie, when I had to pinch myself looking around at the cast of literary stars, to the hilarious last bus trip with Lebo Mashile in fine voice, it was brilliant – unquestionably the highlight of the SA literary year. It was an absolute privilege to be part of it,” said literary journalist Michele Magwood.

Planning begins shortly after each festival ends with decisions being made about which writers to ask the following year, based on information from publishers about forthcoming books. The accent is on the enjoyment and encouragement of reading, and the festival seeks to include a broad spectrum of good approachable writers with recently published books in the programme.  

With its growing reputation, the FLF is approaching additional donors to be able to ask more writers and attract young people from diverse backgrounds – though does not intend to get too much bigger, because this is a village festival with a unique character.

“We have had great feedback on the selection of authors and the programme.  The festival is a real literary landmark, and such a good thing for the whole of Franschhoek,” said Jenny Prinsloo, CEO of Franschhoek Tourism.

Susan Huxter of Le Quartier Francais, said: “Franschhoek really benefits from the festival across the board.”

The long-term goals of the FLF are to excite children about reading and writing, and to generate funds for a new community library. To date, R250 000 has been raised through ticket sales and donations (R100 000 from the Commonwealth Foundation last year), more than half of which has been spent on new books housed in box libraries in local classrooms and book trunks in crèches.

“It really was a world class event,” said Barry Phillips, editor of the Franschhoek Tatler. “It became a destination where people stayed rather than a destination for day trippers.”

The next FLF is planned for 14 – 16 May 2010.

_____________________________________________

About the Delta Trust:

The Delta Trust (established by the owners of Solms-Delta wine farm, Franschhoek), was the founding sponsor of the FLF and has been instrumental in giving this festival prominence and profile. The Trust funds cultural and sporting initiatives in the Cape Winelands and aims to facilitate a more inclusive sense of community.