PEOPLE came from far and wide to celebrate Charles Causley’s life and poetry at this year’s Charles Causley Festival, with many events, activities and celebrations taking place all across Launceston and the surrounding area.

Charles Causley (August 24, 1917 – November 4, 2003) was a nationally renowned poet from Launceston. His poetry depicts various events in his life, as well as illustrating his beloved home town, with mention of various areas, buildings, people and the old ways of life in Launceston.

Both a teacher and writer, it is thought his closest friend was poet Ted Hughes, amongst other writers. In 1958, he became a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, and was awarded a CBE in 1986, amongst other accolades.

In 2010, the first Charles Causley Festival took place in Launceston, in an aim to celebrate his life, work and legacy, as well as allow both local residents and visitors to explore Launceston’s history and heritage.

A great deal of support in funding has been provided by organisations since the festival was first established, helping it to thrive year after year.

Now in its eighth year, and celebrating the 100th year since Charles’ birth, the festival has seen a great variety of events happening all over the area.

On Monday, Spencer Magill, chairman of the Charles Causley Festival, explained the celebrations were not over, with events still to come.

Spencer said: “So far, everything has gone really well. We had just started working on this year’s event just after last year’s had finished, so since July – August time.”

He said that he had enjoyed a number of personal highlights throughout the festival, including seeing Riff Raff and a Rickenbacker perform at No.8 last Friday.

He also mentioned the highly popular performance by Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends, who sang to a full house at Launceston Town Hall last Thursday.

He said: “Everyone enjoyed a lot of different events; there’s been quite a few things that I really enjoyed.”

This year, the event has been mainly funded locally. Spencer said: “The local businesses in the area have been very supportive of the festival, putting leaflets and posters in their windows. We’ve had to raise everything ourselves, and that’s mainly come from the local area.”

He added: “Charles Causley was a national poet, who knew and taught many people in Launceston, and having a festival for the people of Launceston and the area around Launceston does bring business to the local economy, although we try not to focus on that as much.

“A big thanks really, for everyone — not just those performing and speaking, but everyone who came along to support the event.”

Amongst activities for children, workshops for aspiring writers and poets, art exhibitions and food and drink markets, events to be recognised include a Charlotte Dymond field trip with Jane Nancarrow, who was taught by Charles Causley; Charles’ close friend, Arthur Wills’ Causley walk; the Flower Festival at St Mary’s Church; John Lawrence and Gaby Morgan’s talk, who worked and illustrated for Charles, on Friday; Jim Causley in concert at Launceston Town Hall; and an evening with poet, playwright and broadcaster Murray Lachlan Young.

Closing the festival will be a special event with journalist and news presenter, George Alagiah, at Launceston Town Hall this Saturday (June 10) from 1pm, with entrance costing £10.