Some of the biggest names in literature, stage, and screen are set to gather in a North Yorkshire coastal town for a major new literary festival.
The inaugural Whitby Lit Fest will bringing together more than 50 authors, playwrights, poets, and public figures for a long weekend of events, conversations, and performances from November 6 to 9.
Lee Child, Rob Rinder, Miriam Margolyes, Sir Alan Ayckbourn, Steph McGovern, Yvette Fielding, and Shaun Usher are among the headline guests.
Lois Kirtlan, committee chair of Whitby Lit Fest, said: "From the haunting ruins of Whitby Abbey to its rich history of storytelling, Whitby is ripe for its own literary festival.
"The coastal town is famed for its dramatic coastline, gothic heritage, and literary ties to Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
"It’s a fitting backdrop to inspire authors and book lovers alike.
"We’re really proud of the incredible line-up we’ve secured for the inaugural festival, and can’t wait to give everyone a warm Whitby welcome.
"Autumn is a beautiful time of year to experience Whitby, and there can’t be anything better than escaping to the seaside with the promise of a good book, fish and chips, and to meet like-minds."
Crime writing icon Lee Child will discuss his 30th Jack Reacher novel, Exit Strategy, in conversation with author, barrister, and TV personality Rob Rinder.
Sir Alan Ayckbourn will be interviewed by Whitby Lit Fest patron Kate Fenton, an author and former BBC Radio 4 producer.
Miriam Margolyes will appear in conversation with writer and historian Lucinda Hawksley, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens.
Ms Hawksley will also host an author talk and dinner at The White Horse and Griffin, the coaching inn where Dickens stayed during his visits to Whitby.
Steph McGovern will discuss her debut crime thriller Deadline with CWA Dagger award-winning author Anna Mazzola.
Yvette Fielding will talk about her time on TV’s Most Haunted and host a special children’s event centred on her new Whitby-set book, The Vampire of Whitby.
Other highlights include Paul Magrs discussing his supernatural Brenda and Effie Mysteries, set in the town, and Whitby-born author Amanda Mason in conversation with Essie Fox about gothic fiction.
Jo Moseley and Sara Barnes will speak about adventure and finding joy in later life, while Scarborough’s Rowan Coleman leads a panel on romance fiction.
The festival will also explore Whitby’s literary legacy.
Rebeka Russell of Manderley Press will discuss The Moon is Making, a Whitby-inspired novel by Storm Jameson.
New Writing North will record its Working Class Library podcast live with author and editor Richard Benson and guest author Adelle Stripe.
READ MORE:
-
Warning to UK over rise of virus that can cause 'serious breathing problems'
-
Green light for Teesworks data centre despite objection from BP hydrogen scheme
-
Darlington's 'exciting and biggest' regeneration plan takes significant step forward
There will be folk music performances, a celebration of the BBC’s Shipping Forecast, and a panel on forgotten women in history with Anna Mazzola, Liz Hyder, and Donna Moore.
Ann Dinsdale from the Brontë Society will present Let Me In: The Brontës in Bricks and Mortar alongside Sharon Wright and Julie Akhurst.
Children’s events will include author talks, workshops, and a writing competition supported by The National Literacy Trust.
Tickets go on sale on August 5 via the official Whitby Lit Fest website.
