The Nelson Arts Festival in late September is shaping up to be a yummy spring treat, with Glenn Colquhoun (this year’s winner of the $60,000 Prize in Modern Letters) reading and speaking about his poetry in a lunchtime event at the Woollaston Estates Vineyard (see view, right).

Arts benefactor Glenn Schaeffer is to sponsor this years Readers and Writers Series. Indeed, said vineyard is co-owned by Schaeffer and former Nelson Mayor Philip Woollaston.

Schaeffer said of the event ‘This will be the first of many arts events at our vineyard, which has a gallery and outside courtyard that make a stunning setting. Bringing together the arts, particularly the poetry of Glenn Colquhoun and a place that I have so much personal feeling about, is very special for me.’

Others in the line-up include Jim Hopkins, who has recently published a book on aviation in New Zealand, novelist Stephanie Johnson, travel writer Graeme Lay, children’s writer Vince Ford and novelist CK Stead, who will no doubt have a bit to say about Ms Mansfield …

Programme co-ordinator Jacquetta Bell promises a 'feast for Nelson readers and book lovers. We have a range of venues for these literary treats, from the Boathouse on Wakefield Quay to city cafes …'

Details of the Schaeffer Readers and Writers Series will be in the Nelson Arts Festival programme, widely available throughout the region from mid July. The website isn't up yet, but will be in late June - and bookings will open at the Everyman in Hardy Street Nelson in late July.