The 31st Cambridge Seminar on Contemporary Literature took place between Saturday 11 - Friday 17 July 2009.

The British Council's Cambridge Seminar on contemporary literature has influenced discussion, performance and debate on literature for over 30 years. The programme includes well-known - as well as innovatory and new - names, including novelists, poets, critics and other writers. Writers confirmed for 2009 so far include; John Burnside, Jim Crace, Linda Grant, Tony Harrison, Philip Hensher, Jackie Kay, David Lodge, Blake Morrison, Gillian Slovo, Marina Warner, Benjamin Zephaniah.

The seminar profiles the UK’s creative ideas and achievements and has been proven to increase the number of quality relationships between the UK and many other countries. It actively builds ties for the UK’s creative and knowledge economy. The event is fully residential. Over the years the seminar has brought together an impressive group of contemporary British writers and critics and offers delegates a lively mix of talks, discussions, performances, debates and an opportunity to talk with the writers about their work. The seminar brings new audiences into contact with the creative face of the UK, helps refresh existing perceptions of the UK and widens opportunities for the UK’s creative sector globally.

Participants, who come from many countries, have opportunities to meet and hear a wide range of writers from Britain, as well as take part in discussions about a range of literary trends and issues. In bringing together the insight and experiences of writers and participants in a strongly international context, the Cambridge Seminar offers an unrivalled literary experience. This is an opportunity to take part in one of the most intimate and influential literary events in the world in the relaxed surroundings of a Cambridge University College.

Many people who have attended the seminar in the past have described it as a defining moment in their careers, bringing them up-to-date with new trends in writing today and introducing them to an international network of like-minded people. The event is fully residential and is organised by the British Council Literature Department.

(www.eduwo.com, Jainlyn&Charlotte)