2025 Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival by Harrogate International Festivals

PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE

2025 Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival

Thursday 9 October

7.00pm How To Buy Less & Buy Be�er with Patrick Grant

The Crown Hotel

8.30pm Making Peace In The Culture Wars with A.C. Grayling The Crown Hotel

Saturday 11 October

7.00pm Nicola Sturgeon: Frankly

Wednesday 15 October

7.00pm For The Love Of Bears with Chris Tarrant

8.30pm Mark Watson: One Minute Away

Thursday 16 October

12.00pm Yorkshire Life Literary Lunch with Lyse Doucet

7.00pm Harp & Poetry with Imaginary Landscapes

Friday 17 October

12.30pm Can We Be Great Again? with Sir Jeremy Hunt

7.00pm John Suchet In Search Of Beethoven

8.30pm The Conspiracy Tourist with Dom Joly

Saturday 18 October

10.00am Steven McRae: Anything Is Possible With Ballet

11.30am The Secret History of the Women of SOE with Kate Vigurs

11.30am My Grandparents Were Dinosaurs with Anne & Steve Brusa�e

1.00pm Yasmin Alibhai-Brown in conversa�on with Ma� Stadlen

1.00pm Oh Yes I Am! with Panto Dame Mama G

The Wesley Centre

The Crown Hotel

2.30pm Making ADHD Make Sense with UNILAD founder Alex Partridge The Crown Hotel

4.00pm A Life In Cricket with Graham Gooch

7.00pm Helen Lederer: Not That I’m Bi�er

Sunday 19 October

10.00am Badgers Are Go with Susannah Lloyd

The Crown Hotel

11.30am Changing the Game with ex-Premier League Manager Mar�n O’Neill The Crown Hotel

11.30am Tom Vaughan: Hercules, Hero To Zero The Crown Hotel

1.00pm Chris & Jen Sugden: From High Vaultage to Team Victoriocity The Crown Hotel

2.30pm How Not to Be a Poli�cal Wife with Sarah Vine

Events in pink are part of the #RaworthsLitFest Children’s Fes�val Title Sponsor

The Crown Hotel

WELCOME

Every autumn, Harrogate becomes a place where stories take centre stage with writers, thinkers and readers coming together to share ideas and inspira�on.

This year’s programme brings together some of the most exci�ng voices of our �me, authors who help us see the world differently through memoir, history, fic�on, poetry and debate. At a �me when society feels full of noise and distrac�on, we invite you to slow down, listen, and enjoy though�ul conversa�on. From headline names and celebrated writers to fresh new talent, the Fes�val offers the chance toexplorebigideas,joininlivelydebateanddiscoversomewonderful new books for your ever-growing ‘to be read’ pile.

Fes�vals like this are made possible by partnership, and we’re hugely grateful toRaworths Solicitors, who as �tle sponsor con�nue to support our Fes�val, allowing us to a�ract such a rich line-up to our town. Thanks also to our partners, sponsors, volunteers and the Harrogate community who help create the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes this Fes�val so special.

So turn the page, mark your diary, and get ready for a Fes�val filled with conversa�ons and ideas that will stay with you long a�er the final event.

Sharon Canavar, ChiefExecu�ve,HarrogateInterna�onalFes�vals

Rachel Tunnicliffe, Senior Partner, Raworths Solicitors

Autumn brings an exci�ng programme of events to town with the Raworths Harrogate Literature Fes�val returning for ten fabulous days in October. We are so proud to sponsor the Fes�val and play our part in bringing this pres�gious event to Harrogate.

This year’s Fes�val shines a light on local and na�onal literary talent as we welcome authors and speakers who will inspire, inform and illuminate. The popular Children’s Fes�val returns to educate and entertain younger readers and interac�ve community events aim to intrigue and delight all members of the family.

Whether you are a regular Fes�val visitor or a�ending for the first �me, we look forward to welcoming you. Please join us and take �me to lose yourself in a good book.

FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL

Established in 1966, Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals are an ar�s�c force to be reckoned with and a key cultural provider for the North of England.

Becoming a Friend of the Fes�vals is one of the best ways to enjoy all that Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals have to offer, from big name stars, to in�mate concerts and hidden gems.

As a Friend, your dona�on will support the produc�on of our interna�onally acclaimed year-round por�olio of ac�vity, including the very best in music and literature as well as the incredible work of our learning and par�cipa�on programme.

Whether you want to support our arts charity or simply make the most of the exclusive benefits, join today from just £30.00. Benefits include:

● Priority entrance (before the crowd) with your membership card at unreserved events so you can choose your favourite seat.

● Advance details and priority bookings for our Harrogate Interna�onal Sunday Series and the HACS Harrogate Music Fes�val programmes.

● Access to our Friends’ Lounge with complimentary tea or coffee at our Sunday Series ahead of the concerts.

● A complimentary copy of the Fes�vals’ summer programme book.

● A host of benefits across some of Harrogate’s most beloved businesses.

Join today by calling 01423 562 303 or online harrogateinterna�onalfes�vals.com/fes�val-friends

Book & Brunch Series

Imagine a perfect Sunday: a beau�ful se�ng, a delicious brunch and the chance to meet one of your favourite authors. Book & Brunch brings you all this and more in the stunning Imaginarium at The Cedar Court Hotel.

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, engaging conversa�on and don’t forget to bring your book to get it signed.

Our first two events with Elly Griffiths and Mark Billingham sold out in record �me, don’t miss your chance to be part of the next one, featuring the brilliant Lee Child on Sunday 16 November.

Tickets will be released soon, so sign up to our newsle�er today to be the first to know.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

PLOTTED BY HIF

Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals welcomes you to Harrogate for ten days filled with great literature. It’s one of the many Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�val events, crea�vely plo�ed throughout the year, bringing leading global ar�sts andimmersiveexperiencestoHarrogate.

January – April

Harrogate Interna�onal Sunday Series

Chamber music concerts and coffee in the magnificent surroundings of the Old Swan Hotel.

June – July

The HACS Harrogate Music Fes�val

Featuring the best of interna�onal musical talent spanning classical, jazz and folk, as well as hos�ng the pres�gious Young Musicians Series.

July

Children’s Fes�val

Packed with science, music, and ac�vi�es to spark curiosity and crea�vity.

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Wri�ng Fes�val

Celebra�ng the best in crime fic�on with world-class events and award-winning authors.

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Awards

Crowning the very best of crime fic�on with the Crime Novel of the Year Award, alongside breakthrough debuts and life�me legends.

September

The Big Read

“The North of England’s biggest book club”

Encouraging as many people as possible to read a classic work of crime fic�on, increasing links across the region between libraries and reading groups, and inspiring new readers.

October

Raworths Harrogate Literature Fes�val

Bringing bestselling authors, influen�al poli�cians, and stars of the stage to share their stories.

HIF+

Year Round

Berwins Salon North

A yearly programme of cabaret-style evenings of fascina�ng talks, bringing together expert speakers to share bold ideas and fresh perspec�ves on science, psychology, technology and the arts.

HIF Player

Our digital pla�orm hos�ng online events, talks and concerts as well as our online crime Fes�val You’re Booked, featuring our monthly, Book of the Month.

HIF+

Throughout the year, our diverse HIF+ programmes deliver a wide range of projects, designed to improve lives through access to the Arts.

To see our full year-round programme and be kept up to date, please visit harrogateinterna�onalfes�vals.com

LightWeight Impossible Arts

Free | Mid-October

Dates to be announced

Join us for a special 5k with the Early Bird Run Crew, star�ng at the Harrogate Cenotaph.

Chat with your running buddy or make new connec�ons with the running crew, listen to your favourite playlist or even catch up on your audio-book, and run towards the weekend at your own pace and receive a free book at the end.

This four metre high inflated sphere is lit with intense translucent colours, projected video images, anima�ons and visual effects that spin magically around the outside of the globe enhanced by mul�-channel music from hidden speakers.

Find LightWeight in Harrogate this October.

Raworths Runs

Free | Harrogate Cenotaph

Friday 3 October | 6.30am

These ac�vi�es are completely free and welcome to all. More details about dates, �mes and loca�ons will be announced soon. Keep an eye on our social media or newsle�er for more informa�on.

harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

THURSDAY 9 OCTOBER

How to Buy Less and Buy Be�er with Patrick Grant

| 7.00pm | Tickets £15

Join us for an evening with Patrick Grant, best known for his work as a designer, a judge of The Great Bri�sh Sewing Bee and campaigner for sustainable fashion, as he discusses his new book Less: Stop Buying So Much Rubbish, How Having Fewer, Be�er Things Can Make Us Happier.

Drawing on his experience in Bri�sh tailoring and manufacturing, Grant explores how our rela�onship with clothing has changed and what we can do to fix it.

From the rise of fast fashion to the decline of local industry, he considers how quality, repair and re-use might help us live more sustainably and feel be�er about what we own. He will be interviewed by ‘Calendar Girl’ Gaynor Barnes

Making Peace in the Culture Wars with A.C. Grayling |

8.30pm | Tickets £18

Join philosopher A.C.Grayling for an in-depth conversa�on about his latest book Discrimina�ons: Making Peace in the Culture Wars. Drawing on history, from ancient ostracism to witch trials and the Cold War’s House Un-American Ac�vi�es Commi�ee, Grayling examines how public debate has become increasingly toxic and polarised. In discussion, he will unpack what drives our digital outrage culture and whether we might yet move beyond cancella�on toward more civil discourse.

A.C. Grayling is a Professor of Philosophy and a leading advocate for philosophy’s role in public life. He is the author of numerous books and a regular voice in na�onal media, known for bringing philosophical insight to contemporary debates.

‘His prose is crisp. His arguments, compelling. I learned from his book to treasure the Enlightenment’s belief in liberty and equality as inherent human rights’ - Good Reading Magazine Box Office | 01423 562 303 | Booking Fees Apply

An Evening With Nicola Benedetti and Friends

Thursday 4th December | 7.30pm | Royal Hall

Tickets £18 - £39.50

Join Nicola Benede�, "the country's favouriteviolinist"(The Times),asshe returns to leading UK stages for her firstsolotourinoveradecade.

A Grammy and Classical BRIT Awardwinner, Nicola is celebrated for her expressive presence and commitment to music educa�on throughherBenede�Founda�on.

Blending stunning performance with storytelling in an in�mate performance, Nicola presents a selec�on of shorter works from roman�c to virtuosic to folk in a concert promising ar�stry and warmth. She will share insights into her musical choices and experiences and will be joined on stage by eminentmusiciansincludingBrazilian guitarist Plinio Fernandes and accordionistSamueleTelari.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience one of the most influen�al violinists of her genera�on intheheartofHarrogate.

Last few tickets remaining!

Book now via our Box Office: 01423 562 303 Or visit our website

SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER

Nicola Sturgeon Frankly

7.00pm | Tickets £20

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon presents her memoir Frankly, offering an intimate and candid account of her journey from working-class Ayrshire to becoming Scotland’s longest-serving First Minister. She delves into landmark political moments, from the 2014 Scottish independence referendum to Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The memoir frames Sturgeon’s relationships with key political figures like Alex Salmond, Theresa May and Boris Johnson and explores how the boundaries between her public and private life shaped her time in office. She will be interviewed by Anna Lawlor.

For the Love of Bears with Chris Tarrant

7.00pm | Tickets £20

Join broadcaster and wildlife enthusiast Chris Tarrant as he shares the hear�elt story behind his new book For the Love of Bears. Drawing on his lifelong passion for nature, Tarrant explores the world of bears, from playful cubs to majes�c adults and reflects on what these remarkable creatures can teach us about family, resilience and the wild spirit of the natural world.

Through personal anecdotes and vivid storytelling, he invites readers to see bears not just as animals but as symbols of strength and vulnerability. This event offers a unique chance to hear the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire presenter discuss conserva�on, his connec�on to wildlife, and why bears hold a special place in his heart. Chris will be interviewed by Gaynor Barnes.

One Minute Away with Mark Watson

8.30pm | Tickets £15

These days, we can order anything with the swipe of a finger. An army of riders race through cycle lanes and city streets, anonymous figures delivering our every craving. But what happens when one of those riders steps out of the shadows? In Mark Watson’s latest novel One Minute Away, delivery cyclist Damir drops more than food on Decca’s doorstep and there’s an immediate connec�on that will change both their lives forever.

Mark Watson is one of the UK’s most successful comedians and novelists, equally on-stage making audiences cry with laughter as he is on the page, exploring how human connec�ons are made in the unlikeliest of places.

THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER

Yorkshire Life Literary Lunch with Lyse Doucet, BBC’s Chief Interna�onal Correspondent 12pm – 2.30pm | Tickets £45

For over four decades,Lyse Doucethas brought the world’s most urgent stories into our homes, from the Arab Spring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and many wars in the Middle East. As the BBC’s Chief Interna�onal Correspondent, she is one of the most trusted voices in global journalism.

In her latest book,The Finest Hotel in Kabul, Lyse revisits the iconic Inter-Con�nental hotel, which she has known since 1988. Once a symbol of luxury, the hotel has endured decades of conflict and resilience. Through its story, she also tells the tales of its people, staff and guests she s�ll calls dear friends.

Lyse will share powerful reflec�ons from life on the front lines: the human moments behind the headlines, friendships forged in war zones and the personal cost of witnessing history.

Ticket includes a welcome drink, twocourse lunch followedby tea or coffee with pe�ts fours.

In partnership with

THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER

Imaginary Landscapes: Poetry and Harp

7.00pm | Tickets £18

In this special performance, words and music meet to create mesmorising Imaginary Landscapes. The evoca�ve poetry of Chris Tu�on, author and master of the short poem, is paired with expressive semi-improvised harp playing from interna�onal award-winning harpist Lucy Nolan.

Chris' latest poetry novel, Short Chapters From Sunset has been described as "philosophy in poetry form" by BBC Radio Scotland. Lucy is an interna�onally recognised harpist, known for her innova�ve approach to the instrument and her flair for collabora�on. She has performed worldwide at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, appeared on BBC Radio and ITV, and played with leading UK orchestras such as the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Hallé.

This collabora�on promises to create an evening of beauty and spontaneity.

Home

HIF @ Home gives you access to all the fun of the Fes�val, from the comfort of your home.

We’re providing a host of content and talent, from Podcasts to Book of the Month features and author interviews – all free from your home, phone or laptop. HIF @

THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER

Can We Be Great Again?

With Sir Jeremy Hunt

12.30pm | Tickets £20

Sir Jeremy Hunt, former Chancellor and Foreign Secretary, presents Can WeBe Great Again?, a bold and hopeful reflec�on on how the UK can reclaim global influence. Drawing on his frontline experience in government, Hunt champions Bri�sh innova�on, in AI, diplomacy, academia, to turn entrenched decline into renewed confidence and capability.

Facing tough debates on trade, China, migra�on and climate, he urges clear-eyed ambi�on rooted in realism.

Join us for an illumina�ng hour as Hunt shares stories from Treasury ba�les, the foreign office and high-stakes policymaking, offering a personal take on Britain’s future. This is an unmissable event for anyone interested in poli�cs, economics or na�onal iden�ty: fresh, grounded and s�rring. He will be interviewed by poli�cal broadcaster Ma� Stadlen.

‘The message in this book is urgent and Jeremy delivers it with force and style: in poli�cs and technology Britain has unique strengths at one of history’s turning points’

– Tony Blair

THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER #RAWORTHSLITFEST FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER #RAWORTHSLITFEST

John Suchet:

In Search of Beethoven

7.00pm | Tickets £20

Join broadcaster and Classic FM powerhouse JohnSuchet as he guides us through his part biography, part memoir, part travelogue. Suchet draws on his own life and career as a foreign correspondent and news anchor to show how Beethoven’s music has accompanied him through the best and worst of �mes as he goes in search of the man behind the music.

Suchet tracesBeethoven’s footsteps from his early years in Bonn to his dying days in Vienna, taking us on a journey both literal and symbolic, as he uses his own experience as a Beethoven aficionado to demonstratethe life-changing power of great music. He will be interviewed by broadcaster Ma� Stadlen

THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER #RAWORTHSLITFEST FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER #RAWORTHSLITFEST

The

Conspiracy Tourist with Dom Joly 8.30pm | Tickets £13

Join comedian, travel writer and prankster extraordinaire Dom Joly for an evening of outrageous stories, o�eat adventures and conspiratorial deep dives. Best known for the hit TV series Trigger Happy TV, Dom has also made acclaimed travel shows and wri�en bestselling books including The Dark Tourist and The Downhill Hiking Club

In this special event, Dom reflects on his life and career from hidden camera stunts to high-risk travels, as well as the stories behind his books, including his latest, The Conspiracy Tourist. Expect sharp wit, strange encounters and plenty of surprises. He will be interviewed by broadcaster Ma� Stadlen.

THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER #RAWORTHSLITFEST SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER #RAWORTHSLITFEST

The Secret History of the Women of SOE with Dr. Kate Vigurs 11.30am | Tickets £15

Who were the women behind enemy lines? Historian and broadcaster Dr. Kate Vigurs brings to light the extraordinary true stories of the female agents of the Special Opera�ons Execu�ve (SOE) in her gripping new book, Mission Europe. These women were wireless operators, couriers, saboteurs and resistance heroes whose lives were cloaked in secrecy, danger and extraordinary bravery.

Hear the voices of women whose courage shaped the course of World War II as she’ll share the hidden histories of these war�me heroines who operated in Nazi-occupied Europe, drawing on newly declassified material and vivid firsthand accounts.

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown in conversa�on with Ma� Stadlen

1.00pm | Tickets £15

Join Yasmin Alibhai-Brown in conversa�on with poli�cal commentator and broadcaster Ma� Stadlen as she reflects on her career as a journalist and shares her insights on today’s biggest poli�cal and social issues.

Alibhai-Brown writes a weekly column for The Independent and contributes to The Guardian, The New Statesman and The Observer as well as broadcas�ng regularly on BBC Radio 4 and the World Service. A leading voice on diversity and social jus�ce, she is the author of acclaimed books including In Defence of Poli�cal Correctness; Refusing the Veil; and Exo�c England: The Making of a Curious Na�on.

Making ADHD Make Sense with Alex Partridge

2.30pm | Tickets £13

Join neurodiversity advocate and podcaster Alex Partridge, co-founder of LADbible and UNILAD, for a deeply personal and prac�cal event exploring life, ADHD, and his books.

Alex’s bestselling memoir Now It All Makes Sense shares how his ADHD diagnosis at age 34 cleared up years of anxiety, impulsivity, and emo�onal masking, giving readers �ps grounded in lived experience and expert insight to manage daily life and reclaim iden�ty. His latest release, Making ADHD Make Sense is a companion book inspired by his podcast ADHD Cha�er. It blends personal reflec�on, expert-informed strategies, and a compassionate framework to support self-awareness, acceptance, and growth. He will be interviewed by Jojo Silva.

18 OCTOBER

A Life in Cricket with Graham Gooch 4.00pm | Tickets £15

One of the greatest English batsmen of all �me, Graham Gooch steps up to the crease in Harrogate to share stories from a life in cricket and beyond. Holding the highest run-score of all �me, over 67,000 runs across formats, 118 centuries and a career that spanned decades, Gooch’s achievements remain iconic.

But beyond the sta�s�cs lies a remarkable story of grit, resilience, leadership, and reinven�on. Join us as Gooch reflects on the tradi�ons that shaped him, the state of the modern game, and why the long form of cricket s�ll ma�ers, and delves into career highs, personal turning points, dressing room tales and what the sport means today. Graham will be interviewed by broadcaster Ma� Stadlen.

Not That I Am Bi�er with Helen Lederer 7.00pm | Tickets £18

Helen Lederer, comedy pioneer and beloved actress and author of Not That I’m Bi�er, brings her signature wit to Harrogate with stories of a fascina�ng life behind the laughs. From the Edinburgh Fringe and Naked Video, her unforge�able turn in Absolutely Fabulous to naviga�ng fame, single motherhood, weight ba�les and TV mishaps, Lederer’s account is shockingly honest and uproariously funny.

Helen will unpack the highs and lows of a career spanning alterna�ve comedy, cult TV, radio and reality. She shares what resilience looks like when the laughter fades, and why authen�city always wins. With humour, warmth and a bit of well-placed sass, get ready for a celebra�on of survival, reinven�on and joy. She will be interviewed by broadcaster Ma� Stadlen

18 - 19 October | Crown Hotel | Harrogate

The Raworths Children’s Fes�val returns this October. Designed with kids in mind and curated with imagina�on, we’re ready to stretch their brains and fingers and keep them entertained throughout the weekend.

Anything is Possible With Ballet

Saturday

18 October | 10.00am | £7 | Ages 5-11

Step into the world of ballet with Royal Ballet star Steven McRae. His book Anything is Possible with Ballet isn’t just about dance steps, it’s about courage, crea�vity and proving that ballet is for everyone. Steven will share his story of growing up in Australia, performing on the world’s biggest stages, and how resilience and self-belief can take you anywhere. In this interac�ve session, children will try out moves, discover the joy of dance and see that ballet is bigger and braver than they imagined. Packed with colour, energy and encouragement, this is the perfect event for young dreamers ready to leap into something new. No tutus required.

My Grandparents Were Dinosaurs

Saturday

18 October | 11.30am | £7 | Ages 4+ Dinosaurs at the Fes�val? Absolutely. Join author Anne Brusa�e and world-renowned palaeontologist Steve Brusa�e for a lively session of stories, science and roaring fun. They’ll read from Anne’s book My Grandparents Were Dinosaurs, bust a few dino myths, and lead a crea�ve art ac�vity where kids can bring their own prehistoric ideas to life. From fossil discoveries to T. rex dissec�ons, Steve’s adventures will inspire young minds, while Anne brings warmth and wonder to every page. Perfect for curious kids and their dino-loving grown-ups too.

Oh Yes I Am!

Saturday | 18 October | 1.00pm | £7 | Ages 3+

Bring the whole family for a joyful hour with Mama G, storyteller, panto queen and now picture book author of Oh Yes I Am! With songs, stories and plenty of dancing, this is a celebra�on of being who you want and loving who you are. From pantomime stages to Fes�vals across the UK, Off-Broadway and Britain’s Got Talent, she is always sharing laughter, kindness and a touch of sparkle. There'll be dancing and giggles galoreas Mama G shares the joy of being who you want and loving who you are!

Badgers Are Go! Sunday

19 October | 10.00am | £7 | Ages 6-10

Susannah Lloyd knows how to turn reading into an adventure. In Badgers Are Go! she takes children on a mission to uncover who among us might secretly be a badger in disguise. With a live reading, playful ac�vi�es and plenty of imagina�on, she invites children to spot clues, ask ques�ons and invent stories of their own. She’s bringing her mischievous storytelling energy to the Fes�val for families to enjoy together, and for the children to find out if their grown-ups are secretly operated by badgers!

Hercules: Hero to Zero Sunday

19 October | 11.30am | £7 | Ages 8+

Greek myths meet modern mayhem in Tom Vaughan’s latest adventure, Hercules: Hero to Zero. Meet Herc Braver, a kid with godly heritage, big dreams and a knack for ge�ng into trouble. When money is �ght, Herc and his friends cook up wild schemes to change their luck, all while dodging pranks from Hermes, family drama from Zeus, and the odd monster along the way. With outrageous humour, hear�elt moments, and a love of mythology, Tom brings epic chaos to life for every young hero in the room.

Mar�n O’Neill on Changing the Game 11.30am | Tickets £18

Join football legend and former Ireland and Premier League manager Mar�n O’Neill for an insigh�ul event centered on his forthcoming book The Changing Game: The Past, Present and Future of Football. Drawing from nearly fi�y years in the heart of the sport.

O’Neill traces football’s evolu�on through tac�cal revolu�ons, globalisa�on, shi�ing wage structures, and the rise of agents and social media. Through vivid firsthand stories and analysis, he examines how the beau�ful game has transformed both on and off the pitch. He will be interviewed by broadcast journalist Gerry Foley

Chris & Jen Sugden: From High Vaultage to Team Victoriocity

1.00pm | Tickets £13

Writers and podcasters Chris and Jen Sugden share the world of High Vaultage, their latest hilarious fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of Terry Pratche�.

With trademark wit, a flair for history and the absurd, the Sugdens have built a cult following through their storytelling, live shows and the hit podcast Victoriocity

They’ll share the inspira�ons behind High Vaultage, how they build strange yet familiar worlds, and why comedy and curiosity go hand in hand. Lively conversa�on, behind-the-scenes insights and plenty of laughter guaranteed!

THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER #RAWORTHSLITFEST SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER #RAWORTHSLITFEST

How Not to Be a Poli�cal Wife with Sarah Vine | 2.30pm | Tickets £20

Join journalist and former poli�cal insider SarahVine for an unflinching explora�on of her memoir How Not to Be a Poli�cal Wife. Drawing from nearly two decades at Westminster’s epicentre, Vine delivers a raw and candid account of marriage, power, and betrayal including her in�mate rela�onship with the Camerons and the breakdown of her marriage to Michael Gove.

With wit and candour, she reveals how poli�cs not only shaped her personal life, from glamorous Ibiza holidays to fraught confronta�ons at government events. This is more than a poli�cal memoir, it’s a reflec�on on class, ambi�on, loyalty, and the emo�onal cost of living in the poli�cal spotlight. She will be interviewed by Westminster broadcast journalist Gerry Foley.

THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER

Phone 01423 562 303 or Online harrogateinterna�onalfes�vals.com

Email: info@harrogate-fes�val.org.uk

In Person: Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals, 32 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1DB

Our office is open 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Ticket Collec�on: An onsite Box Office will open 30 minutes before each event where �ckets can be collected or purchased.

Booking Fee: Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals charges a £2.50 transac�on fee per booking. Ticket sales alone do not cover the costs of our Box Office, and these fees are essen�al for the development, maintenance and opera�on of our in-house Box Office. For more informa�on and full Terms and Condi�ons, visit our website.

Visitors with Addi�onal Access Requirements: All Fes�val venues have wheelchair access. We offer free �ckets for carers. For more access informa�on please call our Box Office or visit our website.

Bookshop: From 9-16 October, Waterstones will provide a pop-up bookstall at each event, offering books by that day's speaker for purchase. Book signings will also be managed by Waterstones a�er the event. From 17 October, a full Fes�val Bookshop, run by Waterstones, will be available at the Crown Hotel throughout the weekend, featuring a wide selec�on of books from all Fes�val speakers. Signings with the authors will take place a�er each event.

For more informa�on about the Fes�val, please visit our website or call our Box Office.

The informa�on in this guide is correct at the �me of prin�ng, but changes may occur. Updates will be communicated in advance and signposted on-site.

THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER #RAWORTHSLITFEST ABOUT US

ABOUT US

Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals is the flagship Arts Fes�val for the North of England. A charitable organisa�on, our passion and ambi�on maintain our posi�on as an arts organisa�on delivering Fes�vals of na�onal importance and drama�cally increasing the cultural opportuni�es for Harrogate and the wider region.

Patron

His Majesty King Charles III

Honorary President

Peter Blackburn CBE

Vice Presidents

Mrs Frainy Ardeshir

Mrs Liz Bramall CBE

Dr Terry Bramall CBE

Lesley Garre� CBE

Jane Gregory

David Haxby

Julian Lloyd Webber OBE

Val McDermid

David Salter

Chris�ne Woods

Board of Trustees

Fiona Movley MBE, Chairman

Ma�hew Osbourne, Treasurer

Rod Findlay

Julie Gray

Jenny Harris

Lucy Hind

Iain Jenkins

Deborah Larwood

Craig Ratcliffe

Susan Rumfi�

Fes�val Team

Sharon Canavar

Chief Executive

Clemence Roux

Literature Festivals Manager

Charlo�e Greensmith

Music & Events Manager

Shelby Gibbs Communications & Box Office Coordinator

Iona Cro�

Music & Engagement Coordinator

Yasmin Topley Administrator

Hanna Dilley

Financial Controller

Pauline Empson

Financial Assistant

Support Services

Acoustic Solutions | Avenue Prin�ng House | Charlo�e Wilkinson | Chris Bond PR

Conrad Davies Creative | Marc Dunleavy | Karen Sweeney | Anna Unwin

Thanks

Original cover art by Graeme Bandeira

With special thanks to the Harrogate International Festivals volunteers, without whom the Festival could not happen.

Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals | 32 Cheltenham Parade | Harrogate | HG1 1DB harrogateinterna�onalfes�vals.org.uk | 01423 562 303

Registered Charity No. 244861. Company Registra�on No. 828029

Harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

Harrogate Interna�onal Fes�vals would like to thank the following organisa�ons for their support

Title Sponsor

Major Funder and Community Partner

Pla�num Partners

Major Supporters

Des�na�on Partner

Regular Funders

Premier Partners

Accommoda�on Partner

Corporate Patrons

Raworths Literature Fes�val Partners

Corporate Friends

Associate Sponsor Media Partners

Trusts and Founda�ons

Friends of the Fes�vals | Future 50 Founda�on | The Dorothy Parkinson Memorial Award

WW Spooner Charitable Trust | GC Armitage Charitable Trust | Charles and Elsie Sykes Trust Wild Founda�ons in memory of Victor Wild

KATE VIGURS

JEREMY HUNT

MAMA G

CHRIS TARRANT