The Ryedale Book Festival invites guests to join them on their inaugural Journey Fest Weekend this summer.
The Festival, which holds literary events throughout the year in the Ryedale district of Yorkshire, has announced details for its first journey-themed weekend, Friday 29th June to Sunday 1st July 2018 (inclusive).
Exploring the concept of a journey from almost every conceivable angle, the varied programme includes events ranging from self-help to outdoor adventure, and from the historical conquests of the Vikings to the marvels of albatross migration.
Sarah Tyson, Festival Director, said: “We are delighted to announce these first details of our varied and exciting line-up for our first Journey Fest Weekend, sponsored by Yorkshire-based company Inntravel.
“All the events take place in Malton, which was recently featured as one of the best places to live by the Sunday Times.
“Malton is recognised for its foodie connections and for its strong community spirit, and being in the heart of Ryedale is the perfect for this bijou literary weekend.
“The event will include appearances from some the best travel and nature writers as well as fiction favourites, history, a craft workshop and traditional storytelling. It is a compact programme with a stellar line-up of artists, combined with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing weekend in beautiful Ryedale.”
The weekend begins on the morning of Friday 29th June with former airhostess Toni Mackenzie, who penned the bestselling self-help title, ‘Your Flight to Happiness’ following a life-changing experience when she literally crash-landed.
A special Journey to Freedom dinner takes place at the Old Lodge Hotel, Malton, on the Friday evening with guest speakers Christina Lamb and Emma Jane Kirby, authors of ‘The Girl from Aleppo’ and ‘The Optician of Lampedusa’ whose books have been described as putting “a human face on the refugee crisis”. Proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Refugee Council charity that is working in North Yorkshire.
On Saturday 30th June, the whole family can join in the free Town Trail at participating shops in Malton’s historic town centre, while Malton Library will be holding a free event for young travellers in the morning. Young fans of David Attenborough will enjoy Mike Unwin’s Incredible Animal Journeys based on the research for his new title, ‘Migration’.
In the afternoon, have a Q&A session with blogger Sian Anna Lewis, author of ‘The Girl Outdoors’, a modern adventure guide aimed at solo travellers that includes tips on how to prepare for your own journey. Then be inspired by Raynor Winn’s description of what she discovered during her redemptive walk along the South West Coastal Path, featured in her book ‘The Salt Path’. Meanwhile, budding writers can learn from bestselling fiction writer Rachel Hore about the art of creating such a convincing sense of place for her readers.
Sunday 1st July will appeal to ramblers of all abilities as Andrew White, presenter of the television series ‘Walks Around Britain’, will lead a guided walk to Scampston Park (around 6 miles), ending with a visit to the local agricultural event, Malton Show.
Sarah continued: “Summertime is wonderful time of year to celebrate journeys of every kind and we look forward to introducing new friends to our lovely part of the world.
“The people who come along to our Festival have commented upon the warm welcome they receive from our friendly team of enthusiastic volunteers and also express their delight upon discovering Malton and the wider Ryedale district.”
