For our 2020 Zine, Elizabeth Sykes wrote about why literature is important to us as young people.

Why is literature important? That is a big question when starting a literature festival, and also a complicated question, because it seems as though everyone has different answers. Some people say that literature is a means for humans to understand the world around them, and fully comprehend different perspectives and ideas. Some say that literature is important as a creative outlet, for writers to find fulfilment through creation and process their own experiences. Others chime in and make the argument for literature as escapism, a space safe from reality where imaginations can run wild and one can forget about one’s own life for a little bit. Literature is all of those things. At Wakefield Litfest, we believe that literature is vitally important, as a tool to broaden our horizons and share our experiences, as well as being a source of entertainment and relaxation. Literature can do something for all of us, those who bury themselves in a hole of novels and poetry and only come out to grab snacks, to those who aren’t massive readers but are willing to learn more about the world around them. It is something that is everywhere, all the time, always available to consume and always open to discussion and interpretation. It makes up so much of what we consider to be our identities, that by examining, understanding, and celebrating literature, we are effectively examining, understanding, and celebrating ourselves.

But that’s all very vague. More importantly, why is literature important to us, the young people of Wakefield? We’re who Wakey Litfest is for, after all. Wakefield is often overlooked when it comes to the arts and culture, and therefore it’s doubly important to promote literature here, and showcase creativity that may not be seen otherwise. It is also relevant because we are in the north. A lot of mainstream representations of northerners are frustrating stereotypes, and developing a literature community in Wakefield enables us to share our stories in a place that doesn’t perpetuate the cliches so often seen in the media.

And, we also believe that it is important to engage young people in literature in particular, because in the modern world, there are so many pressures placed upon young people that creative pursuits can hopefully alleviate. We can offer fresh perspectives on the many and varied topics that impact us, and it is important that young people feel inspired to form the culture and society of tomorrow.

This year, Wakefield Litfest has given many young people the opportunity to explore and engage in all types of literature, from journalism to poetry to song writing, stretching the boundaries of what “literature” can actually mean. By talking to people who work in the arts through the workshops, more young people were introduced to careers and life paths that may have previously seemed closed to them, and the performance events meant that a platform was created for budding poets, song-writers and comedians to share their work and grow in confidence. The festival had its setbacks, but overall, it has opened many doors into literature, which it will hopefully keep doing for years to come.