Launch Event

On Friday 5th October 2007 we launched the fourth year of the Doncaster Book Award. The launch event, held at the Doncaster Civic Theatre, was fantastically successful. We were joined by guest authors Celia Rees and Andrew Cope (winner of the 2006-2007 award). The theatre was packed full, and the response to both authors was absolutely brilliant.

At the question and answer sessions, there was a forest of hands up - everyone wanted to ask questions (see the audience photos in the photo gallery on the right!). Andrew Cope talked about how proud and flattered he was to have won last year, and both he and Celia Rees said that our award meant a lot to authors, as it was one of very few, or possibly even unique among local book awards, in that the readers themselves chose the books.

Celia Rees told us a fascinating story about how she came to write her first book, a creepy story called Every Step You Take, which was based on a truly horrific incident that actually occurred on a school trip led by her friend.

The students on stage spoke about how much they loved taking part in the award, especially our drama days and author visits, and all mentioned how much they enjoyed working with students from other schools and making new friends. This, and the obvious enthusiasm for books and reading, went down well with the invited dignitaries, who all said how much they'd enjoyed the event.

Rosie Winterton MP said a few words on stage at the end, and was very impressed by the students. It was definitely our most successful launch event to date, and loads of reviews are already being posted!

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