Another Lively Week Ahead For Beverley Literature Festival

Last Wednesday’s Festival launch with John Godber has paved the way for a Festival that is seeing large audiences enjoying great speakers, films and workshops, with lots of fun things for children to do along the way.

There is plenty more happening this week in Beverley at the Festival, with Scandi crime-writing sensation, Tore Renberg, making his only UK appearance this autumn on Tuesday 7 October at Toll Gavel Church to talk about his book, See You Tomorrow – a rollercoaster of a ride through the underbelly of one of the richest cities in the world. Tore has been described by Scandi Crime godfather, Jo Nesbo, as ‘one of Norway’s finest young writers’. His previous novel, The Man who Loved Yngve, has already been adapted into a major film in Norway.

Wednesday sees comedian and writer, Richard O Smith, at Beverley Library, sharing his humorous insights about The Man with His Head in the Clouds – 18th century pastry chef, James Sadler, who, in that quintessentially British way, decided to take to the skies in the first ever hot-air balloon.

On Thursday, Beverley Film Festival plays host to Professor Neil Sinyard, who will be introducing William Wylder’s film and Hollywood classic, The Heiress. Professor Sinyard will be sharing his knowledge of what was really going on behind the scenes in Hollywood and explaining why he thinks Wylder was the best Hollywood director of his era.

On Friday, the Festival welcomes broadcaster and biographer, Penny Junor. Famous for the BBC Travel Show and other television appearances, Penny will be casting her beady eye over our very own maverick prince – Prince Harry. Expect some entertaining stories and some razor-sharp observations from the person who does not shy away from controversy.

Beverley Minster plays host to Baroness Shirley Williams on Saturday, who will be talking about her mother Vera Brittain and her mother’s close friend, Winifred Holtby – one of the East Riding’s most celebrated authors. Vera Brittain was one of the most impassioned voices to emerge during and after the First World War, so it is highly appropriate to be discussing her life in this centenary year.