Festival Info
2026 Festival
A look back at some of the authors and events that made our 2026 festival so special.
Hugh Mitford Raymond
1000 years of the Mitford Family dynasty.
Steph McGovern in conversation with Mari Hannah
TV journalist and presenter on her crime writing debut novel, Deadline
B A Paris, Trevor Wood and Guy Morpuss
Crime Master Q&A with a trio of top writers
Sally Magnusson in conversation with Edward Bindloss
Celebrated Scottish journalist, TV presenter and author on her fourth novel, The Shapeshifter's Daughter.
T M Logan in conversation with Gerry Foley
Multi-million selling thriller writer presents his latest novel, The Weekend
Retired Major General Tim Hodgetts
The Army's former top Surgeon General shares his war poems, some set to beautiful music and sung by a local choir and our local tenor Eden Webley
Bridget Gubbins
My Mother and the Curate - two diaries 80 years apart on life in rural England
Alan Wilkinson
Local author shares the compelling journey behind his latest book A Sandhills Legacy
Elaine Cusack and Hannah Hoare
Talking Business with Writers - Helping local writers to thrive through support, data, funding and advice
Alan Johnson in conversation with Labour Cabinet colleague Chris Mullin
Former Cabinet Minister talks about his acclaimed portrait of PM Harold Wilson
Alistair Moffat
Legendary Scottish author and television executive presents his new book The North Sea.
Chris Mullin
British journalist, author, Labour politician and former MP talks about his book Error of Judgement: The Truth about the Birmingham Bombings.
Paul Ferris
Former Newcastle United footballer shares his unique perspective on life beyond the pitch at St James Park over his 18-year-long association with the club as a player, physiotherapist and then a key member of Alan Shearer's management team during his brief spell as club manager.