The Hartlepool Author Showcase – organised by the town’s council – was held in York Road’s Community Hub Central at the weekend, bringing together 31 authors from Hartlepool and across the Tees Valley for a packed programme of activities.
A spokesperson said: “The free event featured author panels, book signings, book sales, creative workshops, children’s storytelling sessions and crafts, zine-making activities and creative writing drop-ins. Visitors will also have the chance to enter a free prize draw to win a book basket.”
Attending authors included Alan Pilkington, Beryl Robinson, C. J. Grayson, Claire L. W., Daniel Wright, Daryl Henson, David Ryan, Demelza D’Hotel, Fiona Erskine, Gail Waterhouse, Geoffrey Chapman, Harry Man, Helen Haynes, James Wilson, Joseph Arabi, Lin Fidgin, Linda Dooks, L. M. Milford, Lorraine Booth-Smith, Max Wrigley, Michael Booth, Mike Edwards, Polly Ludgate, Quentin Cope, Rachel Robinson, Rob Taylor, Ronald Craig Richardson, Sharon Birch, Terri Corbett, Tim Prescott and Tony Stamp.
They represented a diverse range of genres including adult fiction, non-fiction, poetry, young adult fiction and children’s novels.
Councillor Rob Darby, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said prior to the event: “The Hartlepool Author Showcase is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the wealth of literary talent we have here in Hartlepool and across the wider Tees Valley. Bringing together more than 30 authors for what promises to be a vibrant and engaging event is a tremendous achievement, and we are delighted to be hosting it at Community Hub Central.”
He added: “Whether you’re an enthusiastic reader, an aspiring writer or simply looking for a fun and inspiring day out with the family, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. We are committed to supporting creativity, literacy, learning and culture within our communities, and this event will shine a spotlight on the talented authors whose work enriches us.”
