Yorkshire Shepherdess, Amanda Owen was in conversation with Martin Lewis from Radio Cumbria. Amanda is a shepherdess, farmer’s wife, mother to nine children, a passionate photographer and now a Sunday Times bestselling author. With regular TV appearances on Countrywise (ITV), The Dales (ITV), All Over The Workplace (BBC) and Ben Fogle’s New Lives In The Wild (C5). Amanda and her family live a life that has almost gone in today’s modern world, one ruled by the seasons and her animals. Home is Ravenseat, a 2000 acre hill farm at the head of Swaledale in North Yorkshire, one of the highest and most remote places in England.

Rebecca Andrew-Crowe introduced her first publication One Day At A Time. Much more than a book, it is an initiative to help others and create reform within the NHS for patients who find themselves in despair.

Roger StevensRoger Stevens is a poet/musician who lives in Brighton but tours widely throughout the UK and abroad to perform his writing and play music. The evening comprised a dinner at Smatt’s Duo interspersed with entertainment in the form of poems, comedy & songs (including some sing-along ‘60s stuff!)

Roger also held a family session where he performed children’s poetry for parents and children.

Local author Audrey Wilson brought her wonderful Nanna Strawberry books, giving people the opportunity to chat to her and get their copies signed.

In the “So you want to be an author?” session local authors Caitlin Lynagh, Diane Allen and Jean Briggs talked, and answered questions, about their journey to getting published.

Alex Johnson held a signing session at Westwood Books where people could chat to him about his Book Town explorations.

The Great Gatsby dinnerThe Great Gatsby dinner at The Black Bull celebrated the end of the festival and offered a taste of the glitz and glamour of the roaring twenties. Fantastic local food, a little live jazz music and the option to get glammed up twenties style.