A UNIQUE event is on hold for 2017 – but there are hopes it could return in the future if there is enough support.

The first Leviathan Literary Festival was held in Weymouth in March last year, and was hailed a success.

But organiser Cllr James Farquharson said he does not have the time to put into the festival this year, after starting a new full-time job.

The news was announced on the event's Twitter account this morning:


He hopes it will return in 2018 – but needs your help. Cllr Farquharson wants to hear from anyone with time and expertise to help run the event in future.

He said: “It was well-received, and we broke even financially. But last year I did a lot of the work myself to make it happen – I was self-employed then and had some spare time but now with a full-time job, responsibilities as a councillor, a wife and two small children, it’s just not feasible.

“What I need is some practical, hands-on help. The event needs people to manage venues, book and liaise with speakers, manage ticketing and promotion.

“I still believe this is the right kind of event for Weymouth.”

Cllr Farquharson added that the event is unique in the UK for offering an outlet for maritime-themed literature.

Last year’s event featured talks such as The Birth of Naval Aviation by Brian Lavery, The Sea, The Whale and Me by Philip Hoare and the Royal Navy at Sea by Stuart Morris.

There were also workshops including Symbolism and the Sea, led by Fiona Clack and an Idea to Plot, a writing workshop led by author Antoine Vanner.

Cllr Farquharson said: “Weymouth is a great place for an event like this. We held events in the Yacht Club and you look out of the window and the sea is right there. Everything’s centred around the harbour, which is appropriate because of the theme and it makes it easy to get around. There’s already accommodation, bars and restaurants. It is absolutely the right thing for Weymouth.”

Anyone who would like to help organise the event in 2018 is asked to email info@weymouthleviathan.org.uk