City to host book festival this summer

The festival, which will be held between June 1–7, aims to bring Derby’s residents together in a love of books and inspire a new generation of readers.

A highlight will be bestselling author of War Horse and Private Peaceful, Michael Morpurgo, who will give a performance of Only Remembered: songs, stories and poetry from WW1, with Coope, Boyes and Simpson.

The festival’s programme will include a broad range of events and activities aimed at all ages and interests from children’s book trails, storytelling and ‘Make It’ sessions to author talks, discussions, live performances, films, quizzes and workshops for budding writers. Events will take place in venues across the city centre and in local schools and communities.

The festival is chaired by Liz Fothergill, local businesswoman, and chairman of Pennine Healthcare. Liz, who is a keen reader and also a trained librarian, said: “Being chair of Derby Book Festival is a great joy and privilege. Everyone we speak to is so positive and enthusiastic and keen to get involved.”

She added: “We have lots of innovative ideas for events and speakers. We are determined it will be so broad, varied and diverse that there will be something to excite people of all ages and interests and be a magnet for visitors to our city.”

The festival programme will be published on World Book Night, 23 April 2015.