A PERFORMER who provided one of the highlights of the 2011 Lymm Festival is back – a little ahead of time.

For the first time, organisers of the popular arts festival have put on a series of winter warmer events, a taster of the full festival later this summer.

And to kick things off, poet, broadcaster and writer Ian McMillan will perform at Statham Lodge The Yorkshireman will read excerpts from this new autobiography Talking Myself Home.

And a story involving his parents will provide one of the highlights.

“You remember so many stories when you are writing about your life, and they lead to others.

“One of my favourites was how my mum and dad met. It was during the war and my mum was at RAF Blackbrook in Haydock.

“They both left for one night after their wedding and when my mum returned, she was arrested and put in jail for five days!” he said.

Ian is poet-in-residence for English National Opera, presents The Verb every week on BBC Radio Three and appears regularly on Pick of the Week, Quote Unquote, The Arts Show, Have I Got News For You and next spring, Coast.

He also writes columns in the Yorkshire Post and Barnsley Chronicle.

So what is his favourite medium?

“It changes to be honest but I have always enjoyed radio. I am doing some stuff for Coast at the moment which I really enjoy but it is difficult to walk and talk at the same time!”

The evening promises laughs and entertainment and Ian says he cannot wait.

He added: “I love touring, it is what I always enjoy doing. Just meeting people and making them laugh.”

The event is at Statham Lodge Hotel in Lymm next Friday, February 3 at 8pm.

Tickets, priced £12, are available from lymmfestival.org.uk.

Warrington Guardian: Daily Echo on Facebook - facebook.com/southerndailyecho Like us on Facebook