The Lady in the Van by Alan Bennett at Harrogate Theatre

This is a Hull Truck production of Yorkshire Playwright Alan Bennett who acquired a very unusual neighbour who lived in a van at the bottom of his garden. This is a true story of how the playwright allowed her to live there as a temporary solution which became a long term arrangement. This is a recollection from his point of view of what happened in his usual witty style a joy for all Bennett fans.
www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

SJ Watson Crime Writer joins the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival Line Up

www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/crime/ His Debut novel "Before I go to sleep" has sold the world over in 30 different languages and has been acquired by Ridley Scott for film production scheduled for 2011. Watson states that one of the factors that pushed him on to starting his first novel (www.faber.co.uk/academy/) He wrote the book while working as a full time audiologist and came across the obituary of Henry Gustav Molaison who was a real life case where he could not form new memories and he became intrigued about how your life would be if you couldn't form new memories. If you would like to meet this author in person he will be in the panel discussion on Saturday 23rd of July at the Old Swan hotel alongside other debut novelists Julia Crouch, Gordon Ferris, Melanie McGrath and hosted by Val McDermid.

Mercer Gallery Atkinson Grimshaw

www.harrogate.gov.uk/Pages/harrogate-995.aspx Visitor numbers are up by 300% due to the exciting exhibit of Atkinson Grimshaw painter of moonlight which is also pared with Liza Dracup who is a complimentary artist. Due to the extra demand the gallery is opening for extended hours on Sunday until the close of the exhibit on the 4th of September. Places are still available for Colin Wiggins' talk on Friday June 24th at the Old Swan Hotel which will be followed by an exhibition tour and tea at the gallery £10 and phone 01423 556188 or email museums@harogate.gov.uk

Wanted: Budding Crime Writers

www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/crime/
The competition will be judged by author MC Beaton the creator of Hamish Macbeth who is celebrating his 75th birthday this year. To enter use the following sentance - written by MC Beaton as your introduction and finish the story with "She was not snobbish or houseproud but too much blood on the Axminster was more than she could take" The prize is a Weekend Rover Ticket to the festival worth £185 plus to the runner up a bag of books and treats. To enter send your story to Crime Writing Competition, Ackrill Media Group, 1 Cardale Park, Harrogate, HG3 1RZ or email to news@ypn.co.uk with the subject line being Crime Writing Competition. A selection will be published in the Harrogate Advertiser which could also be a good start for a budding author.

New Comedy Club in Harrogate

From Wednesday July 6th a new comedy club called Sitting Room will be launched from the St George Hotel in Harrogate. Big names such as Roger Monkhouse who writes for 8 out of 10 cats, Paul Foot who is behind Never mind the Buzzcocks and Hal Cruttenden who is behind Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow and Royal Variety Performance. Colin Cole and Carly Smallman are lesser knows (now) but are up and comming on the comedy circit. Tickets are avaliable at a price of £10 from the web site www.sittingroomcomedy.com or from the Reception of the St George. If you are thinking of making a night out of it we are a mere 5 minute walk away from the St George and are happy to purchase tickets from their reception on your behalf just let us know when you make your booking.

Harrogate International Festival

www.harrogate-festival.org.uk

The place to be this summer starting from July is Harrogate with cultural events all around the area including Paloma Faith and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

There are events for all the family as this year there is a children's festival 9th and 10th of July.

Criminal Happenings in Harrogate

Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival arrives in Harrogate on the 21st of July till the 24th of July.
www.harrogate-festival.org.uk/crime

The festival is this year held at the Old Swan Hotel famous for the connection with the world famous author Agatha Christie.

Now is the time to get your favourite book signed, gain an insight into writing or simply meet your favourite author and get your questions answered.
We are a mere 7 minute walk from the Swan so are handy for all the events.