WORDS have always come easy to us here at the Daily Echo.

That is one of the reasons we welcome the launch today of Southampton’s first festival of words, which we report on page 14.

The 10-day event later this year will see open air theatre productions, poetry readings and ghost stories told among many other events across the city.

Above all, it will showcase some of the many talented and creative writers and performers who call Southampton home.

Organisers have worked hard to put on a varied programme from stand-up comedy to performance poetry and talks by well-known authors to writing workshops.

A handful of the events will be free to attend, meaning there is no reason why everyone should not join in.

Co-founder Charlie Hislop says it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the creative talent in the city.

This inaugural event is the initial step that will hopefully see SO: To Speak established as a fixture in the cultural calendar – bringing in visitors from outside to sample some of the best things the city can offer.

Other places not too far away – such as the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth – have benefitted from holding festivals and other major events so there is no reason why the same cannot happen here.

It is high time Southampton made its mark on the nation’s cultural map.

The Daily Echo is proud to support SO: To Speak and wishes it success.