Literary festivities by the shores: GLF with Jetwing Hotels

Bringing the city of Galle to light the Galle Literary Festival will be taking the South by storm from 11- 15 January 2017. Once again Jetwing Hotels has joined with the five day festival as its hospitality partner – a partnership that has spanned over 10 years, since the festival’s inception. Jetwing Lighthouse, Jetwing Lighthouse Club, Jetwing Kurulubedda, and Galle Heritage Villa by Jetwing will be home to an eclectic set of workshops and events, not to be missed.

The internationally reputed festival will have a stronger focus on literature, visual arts, culinary experiences, architecture and theatre, with mini festivals being held in Jaffna as well; excellent opportunities to showcase local artists. A number of miniature events will be held in Jaffna for school children from 16-17 January 2016 and Jetwing Jaffna will be hosting a number of key artists here. 

Jetwing properties in Galle will host intriguing workshops by renowned personalities Christina Lamb, Amish Tripathi, Philippa Gregory, Ashok Ferrey, Caroline Courtauld, Channa Daswatte, Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala in addition to exclusive events: a literary lunch hosted by Colm Toibin at Jetwing Kurulubedda (12 January), a wine tasting at Galle Heritage Villa by Jetwing (13 January), an author’s dinner with a special cookery demonstration made by renowned Chef Nihal Senanayake at Jetwing Lighthouse Club (14 January) and bringing in all of the events to conclusion, the participants and artists will sit together for a finale lunch at Jetwing Lighthouse on the final day (15 January).

This time around the architecture enthusiasts will be able to celebrate the best works of the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa as his student Channa Daswatte takes you on A Walk Through Time and Style around Galle and accomplished architectural photographer Sebastian Posingis displaying his work on Search of Bawa: Master Architect of Sri Lanka at the iconic stairway in Jetwing Lighthouse. The finale will see all events shift to Jetwing Lighthouse on 15th January allowing you to get up close and personal with Philippa Gregory as she talks about her work on The Art of Writing History as Fiction, Sophie Hannah when she speaks on her Agatha Christie Mysteries, and Christina Lamb speaking on her popular work I am Malala and Nujeen; One Girl’s Incredible Journey from war-torn Syria in a wheelchair. 

With events scheduled in and around Galle, Hall de Galle will be the center of action having numerous stalls displaying various items that would be inviting for the aesthetic lovers. The festivities will only heighten with cultural events taking place along the days and food and drinks stalls ready to be devoured in as you take a stroll down Galle Fort.  Make sure to drop by the Jetwing Hotels stall serving mouth-watering delicacies while enjoying the festivities.

“The Galle Literary Festival – the event itself has changed the city, the country, and the lives of those who are creatively inspired. We at Jetwing Lighthouse are proud to have been associated with the festival since its inception as the official hospitality partner once again. This year’s Festival is looking simply stunning! Jetwing Lighthouse is joined by Jetwing Lighthouse Club, Jetwing Kurulubedda and the Galle Heritage Villa by Jetwing in supporting the events and activities, and we remain confident that the entire experience will be magical and amazing,” said Priyanthika Wijenaike, General Manager of Jetwing Lighthouse, Jetwing Lighthouse Club, Jetwing Kurulubedda, Galle Heritage Villa and Era Beach by Jetwing.