Crime writing festival returns this summer
IT HAS long been one of the highlights of the literary calendar, which, like so many other events was cancelled in 2020.
But crime fiction lovers can look forward to a summer of sleuthing after Harrogate’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival confirmed it will return in July.
The festival, curated by crime writer Ian Rankin, will take place if the Government is able to end all lockdown restrictions as planned on June 21.
It will be held on July 22-25, and some 80 per cent of tickets sold for last year’s cancelled event have been rolled over to this year, the organisers said.
Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “We are adapting and evolving our plans to be able to deliver a safe and agile festival in line with the government regulations at the time, with additional safety measures where necessary, whilst also ensuring the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival retains the iconic feel that has ensured its place as the most successful crime writing festival in the world.
“We remain optimistic about the year ahead and like people across the UK, we are very much looking forward to the return of live events.”
RURAL AREAS can also benefit from the levelling up agenda, an expert has said, and the focus should not just be urban.
IPPR North’s Jonathan Webb said: “There’s a bit of a problem that levelling up is often synonymous with the idea of investing in urban areas, raising left-behind towns and those types of places in the North of England.
“Actually, there’s a lot of rural areas, which in terms of outcomes you want to address through levelling up – things like improving connectivity, raising education, creating jobs in the local community and the local area. Those are all areas which can benefit from the levelling-up agenda too.”
THERE HAS already been significant speculation about what Mr Sunak will announce, including reports that he could relaunch the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
Vouchers for high street shoppers have also been suggested, as has bringing in lower alcohol duty for restaurants and pubs in recognition that the sector will continue to be impacted by restrictions until early summer.
It has also been reported that Mr Sunak may extend the stamp duty tax holiday by three months to stimulate the property market, as well as the business rates holiday.
WAKEFIELD: Police are trying to trace a gang of youths after a man was seriously injured.
The man was attacked in Thornes Park, Wakefield, on Wednesday February 17, police said yesterday. The four attackers are said to be about 12 or 13 and one was riding a bicycle. Three were slim but one was shorter and “chubby”.
THE SCHEME would not have any affordable housing on site in York and the developers have offered a £500,000 contribution towards building affordable homes elsewhere in the city.
The meeting heard this was equivalent to building about three affordable homes which some councillors felt was insufficient. Coun Michael Pavlovic said: “I have huge issues in respect of affordable housing. This delivers zero.”