by Tim Nuttall
A Withernsea-based poet will host a live event at the town’s multi-service centre and library on Saturday, July 12, where he will discuss his latest book release and perform readings of his work.
In support of Withernsea’s Blue Light Weekend, author Richard Harries has written and compiled Beams of Blue Light – a collection of poems that has raised more than £700 to help fund the event.
To celebrate the continued success of the book, the author will discuss the inspiration behind his poems and take questions from the audience at the free event, which runs from 10.30am to midday. Signed copies of the book will be available to purchase at £10 each, and light refreshments will be provided.
Richard said: “I am really looking forward to the event and I am hoping that people will attend, even if they have already bought the book. I will, of course, be reading my two poems about the late Steve Medcalf, to whom this book is dedicated. The books are selling well, with 124 copies sold to date. The first print run sold out within 24 hours on pre-orders being printed. The total profit banked so far is £717.50, which I think is amazing.”
Richard was inspired to release Beams of Blue Light as a tribute to Withernsea RNLI operations manager Steve Medcalf, who lost his life after a house fire in 2022. Shortly before he died, Steve expressed a desire to help put Withernsea on the map by organising an event that would raise awareness and money for local lifesaving organisations and military veterans’ services.
A small group of family and friends aimed to fulfil that wish by creating what is now Withernsea’s Blue Light Weekend. Now in its third year, the two-day festival attracts thousands of visitors with a programme of live entertainment and activities including demonstrations by emergency services, an air show, a raft race and a colour run.
One hundred per cent of donations made at official donation points during the event go to its chosen charities, comprising local Blue Light services, lifesaving charities and military veterans’ groups.
This year’s event takes place on August 2–3. Visit bluelightweekend.com for further information.