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A former Supreme Court president and the creator of the Horrible Histories children’s book series are set to headline a North Yorkshire festival celebrating books, walking and the great outdoors.
Baroness Hale and Horrible Histories author Terry Deary will appear at the 2026 Richmond Walking & Book Festival, which runs from September 18 to 27 in Richmond, combining nine days of literary events with guided walks through the Yorkshire Dales.
Now in its 21st year, the festival celebrates "literature, landscape and local heritage" and will feature talks, workshops, community events and daily walking routes through the surrounding countryside.
Baroness Hale
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Barbara Gravenor, chair of the Richmond Walking & Book Festival, said: "We look forward to welcoming locals and visitors from further afield to our unique festival.
"With walks for all abilities and an exciting programme of book events, there will be plenty for audiences of all ages and interests to enjoy.”
Baroness Hale, the former president of the UK Supreme Court, will appear in conversation with Northern Echo journalist and historian Chris Lloyd at the Georgian Theatre Royal on Friday, September 25.
Terry Deary
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She will discuss her life, legal career and her latest book, With the Law on Our Side.
Mr Deary will close the festival at the same venue on Sunday, September 27, with a talk about Actually, I’m a Corpse, the second novel in his adult murder mystery series set in 1970s Sunderland.
Other confirmed guests include writers Hindpal Singh Bhui, Adam Weymouth, Daniel Stables and Thomas Bell.
What are Prison For by Hindpal Singh Bhui
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The programme will cover topics as varied as crime fiction, European politics, nature writing, poetry, travel and extraordinary personal journeys.
The festival opens on Friday, September 18 at Richmondshire Cricket Club with a talk by filmmaker Asad Qureshi.
He will share his account of spending 165 days held captive by the Taliban, offering a powerful insight into fear, resilience and survival.
With the Law on our Side by Lady Hale
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Events will be held across Richmond at venues including the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond Town Hall, The Station Cinema and Richmondshire Cricket Club.
In addition to the literary talks, the festival offers daily guided walks through the Yorkshire Dales, with routes suitable for all abilities.
Workshops in sketching and bookbinding will also be available, providing opportunities to explore creativity alongside the natural landscape.
What are Prison For by Hindpal Singh Bhui
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The Richmond Walking & Book Festival is organised by a team of trustees and volunteers, in partnership with the Swaledale Outdoor Club, and is managed by registered charity 1191688.
It aims to bring together the enjoyment of books, the outdoors and community through an annual programme of events that reflect the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
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Actually I'm a Corpse by Terry Dear
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Tickets for most events are now on sale and can be booked via ticketsource.com/richmond-walking-and-book-festival.
Tickets for events at the Georgian Theatre Royal featuring Baroness Hale and Terry Deary are priced at £15 and can be reserved directly through the theatre box office on 01748 825252 or via georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk.
The full festival programme is available to view at www.booksandboots.org.