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26
Oct 2020
Thousands tune in to first ever online Harrogate Literature Festival
Thousands tuned in to the first ever digital Harrogate Literature Festival this past weekend.
The festival was forced to be streamed online due to the coronavirus pandemic, but organisers say the event was still a success.
Viewers tuned in to the free programme of 17 events, with the digital delivery allowing book lovers from across the UK to engage with prominent writers, politicians and journalists.
Among those who gave talks were author Matt Haig, classicist Natalie Haynes and Labour MPs Jess Phillips and David Lammy.
Although the events moved online, Harrogate International Festivals, the arts charity behind the literature festival wanted to keep the community at the heart of the project.
Hundreds of stories were submitted to the 10 Word Story competition, and over hundred books were gifted in the Raworth’s Blind Date With a Book initiative.
As author talks began, literature came to life in Harrogate with a light installation in the form of a book. The story of Harrogate, 10 word stories and traditional tales were illuminated on its pages.
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:
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