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Some of the biggest names in literature, entertainment and broadcasting are heading to North Yorkshire after organisers unveiled a star-studded programme for a popular literary festival.
Whitby Lit Fest will return this November with more than 50 events spanning fiction, non-fiction, crime, poetry and performance for all ages.
The festival will run from November 19 to 22 across multiple venues in the coastal town.
Author Peter Oborne
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Lois Kirtlan, chair of Whitby Lit Fest, said: "Following the huge success of our inaugural Lit Fest last year, I’m delighted that the team has once again pulled together such a fabulous and diverse line-up for this year’s festival.
"We’re also incredibly proud to have been awarded charitable status, which gives Whitby Lit Fest a strong foundation for the future."
The programme features an impressive line-up of writers, presenters, poets, broadcasters and performers, including internationally acclaimed novelist John Boyne in conversation with Steph McGovern, who will discuss his new novel The Weight of Angels.
Joanne Harris
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Si King, one half of the Hairy Bikers, will appear to discuss his first solo cookbook Proper Home Cooking.
Louise Minchin will present her upcoming thriller, while Dr Sian Williams will explore themes from her book The Power of Anxiety.
John Boyne
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Crime writing takes centre stage with headliners such as Ann Cleeves, creator of Vera and Shetland, this year’s Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Diamond Dagger winner Mark Billingham, and Elly Griffiths.
Other featured crime authors include Jo Murray, Martin Edwards and Sarah Hilary.
Kate Fenton, a novelist, former BBC radio producer and Whitby resident, is patron of the festival.
Ann Cleves
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Ms Fenton said: "We always suspected the quirky, gothic charms of Whitby would attract bookworms.
"Even so, no-one could have predicted the instant, sell-out success of our very first Lit Fest last year.
"And this November’s line-up is, if anything, even more exciting."
Theatre, music and screenwriting also form part of the four-day programme.
Matt Baker will join Emmy-award winning writer David Quantick in a discussion about the journey from page to screen.
Si King
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Greta Scacchi will share the books behind her screen career.
Arts journalist Jasper Rees will also discuss his new official memoir of Michael Gambon.
Royal biographer Andrew Lownie will explore the dramatic fall of the former Prince Andrew, while Louisa Young will discuss the revival of The Cazalet Chronicles.
Helen Bain will talk about her debut novel Daffodil Days.
Other speakers include the Earl of Harewood, David Lascelles, who will share his father’s experiences as a prisoner at Colditz, along with travel writers Ben Aitken and Tom Sykes, and Channel 4’s Steam Train Diaries star Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton.
The festival will also celebrate Whitby’s gothic heritage with events led by writers of gothic, ghostly and folk horror fiction.
Notable names include Joanne Harris, Laura Purcell, Jess Kidd, Amanda Mason, Lucie McKnight Hardy and Essie Fox.
The coast will feature in talks by historian Alistair Moffat, who will present his North Sea pilgrimage.
New children’s events will include a talk by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae.
In partnership with the National Literacy Trust, she will present the winners of the festival’s children’s writing competition.
Additional events for younger audiences include a talk on Yorkshire’s dinosaur coast and sessions with Young Adult authors Naomi Kelsey and Heather Askwith.
Visitors can also enjoy poetry performances, live music, creative writing workshops, panels and masterclasses.
Workshops will be led by industry professionals including representatives from HarperNorth, Salt Publishing and Valley Press.
Theatre events include a performance of Flight and a Patron Spotlight curated by the festival’s Honorary Patron Sir Alan Ayckbourn.
Ms Kirtlan added: "We want the festival to continue to become an important part of Whitby’s cultural calendar for many years to come.
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"We’re encouraging local businesses and individuals to get behind us and help make that possible.
"There are a range of sponsorship opportunities available, and donations can also be made through our website."
Full programme details and tickets will be available on the Whitby Lit Fest website from August 31.