Official launch of York Literature Festival celebrates stellar line-up

Michael Palin, Mark Gatiss, Sue Perkins… there’s a lot of great names involved in the York Literature Festival this year.

And to celebrate the launch of the 2017 programme, the Lit Fest team will be hosting an information day in the main foyer and café area of York Theatre Royal on Saturday, February 4.

One of the trustees and organisers Rob O’Connor said:”We will be there from 11am to 4pm – please drop in and find out more about the Festival, meet the team and even pick up some freebies!”

Gatiss, Palin and Perkins

The 2017 festival programme is the largest ever delivered, with more than 60 events in two weeks.

It starts with a special performance from Joanne Harris and the #Storytime Band in the magnificent setting of the De Grey Rooms.

Other events include Mark Gatiss and Michael Palin, both appearing at York Grand Opera House on the same day, and Sue Perkins at York Theatre Royal.

Sarah Hall and Michel Faber appear at York St John University and Dan Cruickshank, Jonathan Dimbleby, Gervase Phinn and Christina Lamb are hosted at St Peter’s School.

There is a special event around the Desmond Elliott Prize 2017, including readings from novelists Claire Fuller and Julia Rochester.

The programme concludes with an audience with the Yorkshire Rows, who will tell the story of their amazing Atlantic rowing challenge.

Festival hub

At the festival launch, visitors will also have the opportunity to find out about the York Lit Fest’s innovative hub.

Rob said: “Based in York Theatre Royal itself, the hub will be at the very centre of the 2017 Festival. It’s where we will be showcasing poetry, prose and workshops by York’s best writers, plus stories for children and readings for grown-ups by York novelists.

“And last but not least, we will be welcoming the return of an old favourite, The York Lit Fest Book Fair! See where it will all be happening!”