GLOBAL ARTS SPOTLIGHT ON DEYA AGAIN

By Humphrey Carter DEYA is preparing for the next instalment of the Tertulia literature, arts and music festival which is being held at the end of this month. Organisers of the world famous Hay Festival held their first Tertulia in Deya last year and, because of the event's huge success, this month's festival is going to be bigger and better.... The English/Spanish language festival starts on October 27 and draws to a close on November 1. Set in the mountain village which was home to the poet Robert Graves and the inspiration for a host of writers, musicians and artists over the years, Tertulia promises “five days of food, wine, books, film, music and great conversation.” Already confirmed is the award-winning author Ian McEwan whose latest novel is entitled Saturday and who has been short listed for the Booker Prize for Fiction on no less than three occasions. Also attending will be author Julie Blackburn who wrote the highly acclaimed Old Man Goya and whose novels The Book of Color and The Leper's Companion were both shortlisted for the Orange Prize. Roger McGough O.B.E, one of Britain's best loved poets who was recently honoured with the Freedom of the City of Liverpool, has apparently confirmed his presence, as has jazz legend Ben Siridan probably best known for writing Steve Miller's hit song Space Cowboy. Fellow musicians Daevid Allen and Gilli Smith will also be performing during the festival. The format is very similar to that of the Hay Festival with the writers, poets and film makers holding a series of talks and readings which will be followed by questions and answers. Many will also be signing their latest books at various locations in the village. Last year's event was headlined by Lord Andrew LLoyd Webber who not only addressed a full house about his work and the making of the film Phantom of the Opera, he also treated his audience to an exclusive preview of the film. Despite being only in its second year, the Tertulia experience will be attracting people from all over the world to the beautiful village of Deya.