New Words is North-East Scotland's innovative festival exploring the spoken and written word in performance, with events taking place in venues in Aberdeen and towns and villages throughout Aberdeenshire.

This year's highlights include two collaborations with local music societies who are beginning their autumn seasons with events that combine poetry and music. In Huntly, Music Centeral features Paulina Vanderbilt launching a collection of poetry written in response to her journey along the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. The poems will be interspersed with medieval music associated with the route performed by the Artisans, an early music group from London, and the programme also includes local writer Lucy Aykroyd reflecting on her own pilgrimage to Santiago.

In contrast, Inverurie Music brings a programme of poetry, jazz and improvised music from the St Andrews based group Trio Verso.

Aberdeen publisher Malfranteaux Concepts has put together a carefully considered set of ten poems by ten poets to mark the tenth anniversary of the events of 11 September 2001. These will be presented in two different events: an outdoor commemoration on the anniversary itself and a performance with music later in the month to end the festival on a contemplative note.

New Words 2011 is noticeably smaller than the festival has been in previous years. Some of our partner organisations have been unable to put on events this year due to funding and other constraints, but despite the difficulties a core of promoters expressed a determination to continue, and they have assembled a festival programme to be proud of. While the number of events may be reduced, we are sure the quality will be as high as ever. Prepare to be entertained, challenged and stimulated!

Most events are modestly priced — some are free — and we avoid clashing events so you can come to as many as you choose. Browse the Event Calendar, be adventurous, visit venues you have never been to before, and find out why those who have discovered the festival keep coming back for more!

Haworth Hodgkinson (acting coordinator, North East Writers)

New Words 2011 is brought to you by:

Acting Festival Director: Haworth Hodgkinson

Event and Venue Coordinators: Lucy Aykroyd, Rachel Grant, Bill Kelly, Olivia McMahon, Keith Murray, Robert Ramsay, Bill Robertson, Cara Stevens, Paulina Vanderbilt, Cal Wallace, Rapunzel Wizard

North East Writers Committee: Sheila Reid (chair), Olivia McMahon (co-chair), Linda Smith (secretary), Lynn Marsland (treasurer), Keith Murray (marketing officer), Grant Fraser, Mark Pithie, Cal Wallace

Logo Design: Shade Wizard

New Words 2011 acknowledges the support of:

Aberdeenshire Council
Acorn Centre
Better Read Books
Bookfestival Scotland
Books and Beans
Cellar 35
Demented Eloquence
Douglas Hotel
Enterprise Music Scotland
Ford of Clatt
Gordon Forum for the Arts
Huntly Writers
Inverurie Music
Lemon Tree Writers
The Lemon Tree
Malfranteaux Concepts
Music Centeral
North East Writers
Poetry Aberdeen
St Nicholas Square
Stewart's Hall