Five-year-old poet steals show at Rugby Literary Festival

A FIVE-year-old poet stole the show as Rugby’s first-ever literary festival captivated the town.

Aneesa Malik read her poem The Mummy, the Teddy and Me to an audience of around 80 people at St Andrew’s Church as part of the Rugby Café’s An Evening with the Writers event.

Aneesa, who was the youngest presenter at the festival, said: “I felt shy but now I feel proud of myself.

“A lot of people have told me they like my poem. Perhaps other children will also share their writings at the next festival.

Aneesa has since recorded her reading for an audio CD which co-organizers Rugby First compiled as a keepsake of the festival.

The Halloween-themed rugby literary festival took place last weekend (October 18-20).

The festival celebrated local writers, readers and artists with a series of workshops, walks, storytelling events, book fairs and music at various downtown venues.

The event was organized by Rugby First in partnership with Rugby Borough Council and local author Lindsay Woodward.

Lindsay said: “The idea of ​​a rugby literary festival has been around for several years and I am very pleased that we have been able to launch the first one. »