‘Lit Up 2016’ Tickets On Sale From Thursday 1 September

Tickets go on sale on Thursday, 1 September for Lit Up 2016, the East Riding’s festival of words, celebrating all aspects of writing across the East Riding, from Bridlington to Beverley.

October sees the welcome return of two of the most important events in the literary calendar – Beverley Literature Festival and Bridlington Poetry Festival. This year they have joined forces to create one great festival, with some of the biggest names from the worlds of poetry, fiction, journalism, science and current affairs, introducing their books, talking about their lives and offering fresh perspectives on the things that matter the most to us.

Dorcas Taylor and Antony Dunn have created a vibrant programme of events that reflects contemporary writing in all its forms.

Dorcas Taylor, director of the festival, said:

“It’s been so exciting combining the best of both festivals to create Lit Up. We really hope our audiences enjoy the wide-reaching nature of this programme. We have got some incredible speakers and performers appearing this year. There are some truly distinguished names, emerging voices, old favourites, brand new commissions and some real surprises in store.”

Poets, novelists, historians, actors, broadcasters, public figures – this year’s festival has them all.

Many are household names, including Yorkshiremen Alan Titchmarsh, Simon Armitage, Gervase Phinn and Ian McMillan. The festival will also be shaking things up with some strong words from one the UK’s most controversial writers, Will Self, who has been given a blank canvas to present new material written especially for Lit Up.

Councillor Richard Burton, portfolio holder for civic wellbeing and culture, said:

“I am delighted that the council has been able to support this new-look festival this year, and am really looking forward to an eclectic mix of literature, poetry, and great thinking! I am particularly pleased that we are able to take the festival into schools and libraries and help share the value of literature, poetry and words in general away from more traditional venues. I am looking forward to some superb events this year!”

A welcome return to historian Tracy Borman, joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces and former history student at Hull University, who satisfies our love of all things Tudor with her fascinating insights into the private lives of this great royal household. Writers from the past – and not so distant past – are revisited as bestselling author, Rachel Joyce, discusses Charlotte Bronte and three young Yorkshire voices – Andrew McMillan, Zodwa Nyoni and Nat Johnson – perform their personal responses to the Brontes in music and words in the atmospheric and intimate Choir of Beverley Minster.

Award-winning writers, Jill Dawson and Sarah Hilary, take on the enigmatic crime writer, Patricia Highsmith.

Just outside the main festival period, is one of the literary highlights. Award-winning, international bestselling author, Jodi Picoult, joins the festival for a rare visit to the UK to introduce her new book, Small Great Things. With only a handful of scheduled appearances, Jodi Picoult’s visit is even more special because she will be the guest of honour at an exclusive literary lunch in November at the award-winning Tickton Grange Hotel.

Bridlington Poetry Festival once again brings the stunning cliff-top setting of Sewerby Hall to life with a weekend of poetry and performance. Not-to-be missed performances include Maura Dooley, Matthew Hollis, Clare Pollard and a day’s workshop with the much sought after poet and writer, Malika Booker. Hollie McNish will be presenting her often funny, often challenging, no-holds-barred poetry on Friday, 14 October – poetry which has captured the world’s attention, enjoying over two million views on YouTube.

For those who wish to develop their own writing skills, there are lots of opportunities to learn from experienced writers, including Hull crime writers, David Mark and Nick Quantrill, who will be revealing some of the secrets to writing a good crime blockbuster.

Jonathan Korejko will be encouraging people to get their hands dirty in two creative papermaking workshops. Rhoda Baxter and the hilarious Jane Lovering return with a crash course in romance. Kate Evans will lead an intimate workshop exploring the therapeutic benefits of writing and demonstrating skills and techniques – this workshop is ideal for mental health professionals or anyone with an interest in writing for wellbeing.

Children get to expand their own creativity in the classroom and beyond with workshops taking place in Bridlington Schools as part of Poetry Scope, the East Riding’s most successful writing project, and in a special schools’ day at Beverley Library for young readers and writers. And the fun continues outside school hours.

On Saturday, 8 October, Beverley Library and the Treasure House will be taken over with some amazing characters.

Kimberley Harston, librarian at Beverley Library, said:

“We can’t wait to meet The Westwood Troll, Captain Crossbones, and a whole host of other larger-than-life personalities. We’re going to do things in the library that we’ve never done before… including finding out what spooky things happen when the library closes at night”

Beverley Literature Festival launches on Wednesday, 5 October with the country’s leading geneticist and popular broadcaster, Professor Robert Winston, who will be presenting its first ‘secular sermon’ in the dramatic surroundings of Beverley Minster. Science fiction or reality? Professor Winston brings medical ethics, modern science and the imagination together as he discusses the controversial topic of modifying humans.

This year’s festival has been supported by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Arts Council England. The children’s programme is supported by the Beverley Building Society.