Book festival organisers reflect on successful summer

Organisers at the Derby Book Festival have been reflecting on one of their most successful summer programmes.

Its season of book-related events ended recently with a sell-out event at Derby Theatre featuring BBC News presenter Clive Myrie in conversation with former BBC correspondent James Rodgers.

The 550-seater theatre sold out several weeks before the event and the audience were thrilled by the engaging, moving and informative discussion between the two journalists.

During his visit, Clive presented the winner of this year’s 50-word Flash Fiction Writing Competition (12 to 17 age category), Grace Etuwewe, with a framed bookmark comprising of her winning story, illustrated by University of Derby illustration student, Sama Abu Khalaf.

The festival’s book-related events take place at venues across the city, including QUAD, Derby Theatre, Artcore and Derby Museums.

Derby Book Festival is a charity, which relies on funding from Arts Council England and the University of Derby, with sponsorship from several local businesses and individuals, as well as from ticket and book sales.

This year, organisers have planned three festivals: in spring, summer and the Autumn Edition, which will take place from 14 to 19 November.

Festival director Sian Hoyle said: “This has been our most successful since the pandemic with events for all ages and interests – in particular, expanding our offer for families and children.

“Politics continue to be our most popular genre, and we have been delighted to have welcomed some of the country’s most high-profile broadcasters and political figures.

“We have one more festival to come in 2024 and we are just putting the finished touches to another fascinating programme.”

Professor Keith McLay, Provost (Learning and Teaching) at the University of Derby and book festival chair, said: “Derby Book Festival is an important part of our city and region’s cultural year, bringing income and new audiences to city venues, as well as new ideas and challenging thinking from celebrated authors, politicians and broadcasters.

“2025 will be the festival’s tenth year and we plan to deliver an exciting, challenging and engaging programme of events for Derby.”

The festival is on the lookout for sponsors to ensure its long-term viability. To find out more visit https://www.derbybookfestival.co.uk/get-involved/become-a-sponsor .