Vera author Ann Cleeves says she is “thrilled” that the “friendliest crime fiction festival” will return to Whitley Bay for a fourth year in a row.
Festivalgoers are expected to travel to North Tyneside from all over the UK for Bay Tales, which returns to Whitley Bay Playhouse for the fourth year in a row. In addition to seeing authors on stage and in conversation, audience members have the opportunity to meet the creators of some of their favourite characters at the signing table.
As well as Ann Cleeves, authors appearing at this year’s festival include Sleepyhead author Mark Billingham, Sunday Times bestseller C.L. Taylor, and Janice Hallett, who penned The Appeal. Local author Mari Hannah will appear just days before the release of her new novel Her Sister’s Killer, while TV presenter Steph McGovern will moderate a discussion – with her debut novel set to be published this year.
Ann told ChronicleLive: “I’m thrilled to be involved in By Tales again this year. We have a fabulous line up of authors.
“Readers are travelling from all over the country to join us – we’re famous for being the friendliest of book festivals – and we hope that lots of locals will come along too.”
Vic Watson, festival organiser, said: “There’s a real sense of friendship at the festival. Our patron, Vera creator Ann Cleeves, greets people at the door and participating authors sit in the audience when they’re not on stage. There’ve been plenty of people who attend on their own but come away having made new friends.”
In previous years, the festival has reportedly provided a boost for businesses in the seaside town. Vic explained: “Businesses that have offered ticket holders a discount have, in previous years, reported a 30% increase in bookings over the festival weekend. And it’s lovely to see people from all over the UK and beyond, chatting on social media, making plans to meet up in certain cafes, bars and restaurants when they come to Whitley for our festival.”
Day tickets for Bay Tales start at £41.75 and are available to buy now. For more information on Bay Tales Crime Fiction Festival, visit the website.
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