Well-known local author Val Wood will be taking to the road for an “adventure” next month – and she is inviting book lovers to join her.
Between 9.45am and 3.45pm on Friday, March 21, she will be travelling on one of the region’s mobile libraries, making stops in Skipsea, Atwick, Mappleton, Aldbrough, Garton, Withernwick, Sigglesthorne and Long Riston.
The event is free to attend and offers the chance to meet the best-selling writer, chat about books and celebrate the important role that mobile libraries play in communities. There may even be an opportunity to pick up a signed copy of her latest novel.
Val’s journey is part of the East Riding Festival of Words, SpringFest, which returns this year with a packed programme of events, talks and performances between March 15-22.
The festival is dedicated to celebrating local and northern voices, giving regional authors a platform and supporting writers at all stages of their careers.
Also among those taking part is Adam Farrer, who grew up in Withernsea. The award-winning author of Cold Fish Soup, a memoir reflecting on his life in the resort, will be opening the festival’s author talks with a discussion of his new book, Broken Biscuits and Other Male Failures. The event takes place at Beverley Library on Saturday, March 15, at 5pm, with tickets priced at £5.
SpringFest will also feature a new addition to the festival programme – the Local Author Marketplace. Organised by East Riding Libraries, this initiative gives emerging writers a chance to promote their work and network with fellow authors, providing a valuable platform for those who have not previously been featured in the festival.
On Monday, March 17, communications expert Anna Caig will host a special online session on marketing for writers. Open to authors at any stage of their careers, the 90-minute webinar will offer practical advice on book promotion, with attendees receiving a link prior to the event. Tickets cost £5.
Theatre company Black Liver will present Devilled Eggs between March 17 and 19, performing at various venues across the East Riding. This fresh and cheeky production, hosted by the enigmatic Roman and Prudence at the Dakota Guest House, is mostly suitable for ages 12 and above, though all are welcome, with tickets available for £7.
Best-selling author Linda Green will visit South Cave Library on Thursday, March 20, to discuss her novel The Woman with All the Answers. The book has been selected for both the BBC Radio 2 Book Club and the Richard and Judy Book Club. The event starts at 7pm, with tickets priced at £5.
On Friday, March 21, crime novelist Wes Markin, known for his Boldwood series, will join Hull writer and musician Chris Speck for a discussion on Yorkshire Murders at Driffield Library. The event will offer insights into true crime and crime fiction, with tickets costing £5.
SpringFest will conclude with three events at North Bridlington Library on Saturday, March 22. The day begins at 10am with a Writing for Wellbeing Workshop, followed by a craft workshop at 11.30am. Both sessions require pre-booking, with tickets priced at £5 each.
The final event of the festival will see international best-selling author Julia Chapman discussing her cosy crime series, The Dales Detective, at 2pm. Tickets for this talk are also £5.
Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “SpringFest promises to be a successful event with an exciting line-up for everyone to get involved in and I am very happy to see it return this year across the East Riding. I hope residents will come along and enjoy this varied and fascinating programme.”