Residents gathered by the seafront in Margate recently for a sunset reading event hosted by local affordable housing provider Orbit as part of the National Year of Reading.
The event, held in celebration of World Book Night, brought together local residents, Orbit colleagues and the Town Mayor of Margate for an evening of shared reading in the distinctive coastal setting. It marked one of a series of pop-up activities being delivered by Orbit’s Kent team to support improved literacy and access to books across local communities.
As a key supporter of the “Go All In” campaign for the National Year of Reading, led by the National Literacy Trust, not-for-profit housing provider Orbit recently received a donation of books, which are being distributed to residents and the wider community through events such as this.
With many Orbit customers living in Thanet, the event aimed to provide an inclusive and accessible opportunity to celebrate and encourage reading in a relaxed community setting.
The reading took place in a sheltered spot along Margate seafront believed to be where poet T.S. Eliot worked on his landmark 1922 modernist poem The Waste Land during his stay in the town.
Hayley O’Shea, Place, Investment and Partnership Lead for Orbit commented: “Improving literacy is a key part of tackling inequality and supporting wellbeing. By breaking down barriers to reading, we can help people feel included, build confidence and open up opportunities. Events like this allow us to bring people together, celebrate literature and support our communities to access books and all the benefits that come with enjoying reading.”
Cllr Katie Pope, Town Mayor of Margate added: “It was great to open up this event to Orbit residents, bringing people together from across Thanet with the option to sit and read or have a chat with friends (new and old!) and neighbours."