Hamilton’s gritLIT back for its 19th year

Hamilton's renowned gritLIT Festival for Readers and Writers is coming up again, soon, much to the delight of all who love to bask in the energy of books and the synergy between their authors and audiences, and this year promises a whole additional day of Programming.

The annual festival will, for the first time, stretch out over five days - from April 19 to 23 inclusive.

There will be readings, panels, interviews, interactive events and writing workshops, including two days of virtual Programming (Wednesday, April 19 and Thursday, April 20) on top of three days of person-to-person Programming (Friday, April 21 to Sunday, April 23).

The person-to-person portion of the festival is taking place at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in downtown Hamilton.

Since its inception in 2004, the 19-year-old festival is celebrated for the opportunities it has always afforded for readers in the Golden Horseshoe to get up close to their favourite authors and learn about exciting new writers and voices coming up the ladder. This year 39 authors will be featured.

gritLIT brings together diverse voices - the biggest Canadian authors, up and coming talent, and local Hamilton writers - in a series of readings and themed events," says festival marketing manager Jessica Rose.

The festival's mandate is one of accessibility for both authors and audiences. gritLIT puts a focus on local authors, giving them the exposure to readers that they richly deserve."

To see a complete list of authors and events and for more on the festival, visit gritlit.ca

Jeff Mahoney is a Hamilton-based reporter and columnist covering culture and lifestyle stories, commentary and humour for The Spectator.jmahoney@thespec.com