HARROGATE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS AND THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL

 HARROGATE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS AND THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL HAVE DONE IT AGAIN.

Despite all the uncertainty of the pandemic and restrictions imposed by it, this festival is as good as it gets. We have always admired these events and always felt that the comfort of us, the punters, and of course the authors with all their guiding editors and publisher could be improved. The chairs in previous years were packed into the ballroom. It was bloody uncomfortable and on a hot summers day, steamy and sweaty. 

This year it could not be in there and was now in a super high tec tent in the car park. Light, airy and with comfortable chairs. And never full. Also part of the ballroom was now Waterstones Bookshop with an area adjacent for the authors to sign. Additionally, an inner space for virtual viewing that was little used and very comfortable. These are much needed and welcome improvements that have come as an added cost. I hope the funding can be obtained although some of the cost will be borne by the customers. For the first time a site pass was required that contained a cost but it kept the festival only for those who were there for the right reasons. I commend the committee for their efforts.

I have enjoyed this one more and although this was due to some extent by the changes enforced by the pandemic there were other reasons. Firstly we had family members with us and that was great. It also meant we inhabited the bar more and we mingled more with the authors. Also, for Joss and Michelle, meeting up with Lara Thompson again really made their day. Someone we knew from her school days, on stage, with Val’s other New Bloods.

I have not blogged as much before and it is something that I have enjoyed. It is full on and it makes me focus on what is being spoken. Having read a couple of tweets from authors that seemed rushed I am happy with my efforts, but I know I could be better. 

As soon as we can book for next year we will do so. Friends will be there also and our close family members too. It is there on the horizon and hopefully we will all be there. In the meantime much reading to do and I haven’t written a poem for weeks.

Thank you for the efforts made and the feeling of camaraderie created.