Deborah Lutz reading from her Emily Bronte biography – THIS DARK NIGHT Author Deborah Lutz and festival director, Heather French Gothic novelist Essie Fox in conversation with interviewer Gerry Foley about her retelling of Wuthering HeightsNovelist Essie Fox signing copies of her novel CATHERINE alongside bookseller Sarah TysonNature writer Sally Coulthard sharing the secrets of twilight with festival patron Helen BoadenAudiences loved Tim Sullivan’s humour and hearing about detective DS George CrossA fascinating peep into the world of ITV News with Anchor Tom BradbyBroadcasting, screenwriting and bestselling novels with Tom BradbyFood writer Felicity Cloake and Helen Boaden discussed debut novels – joined by Wilf! Felicity, Heather and the star of the show – Wilf! A fascinating DAD’S ARMY event with historian Sinclair McKay and host Gerry FoleyHarriet Tyce shared the world of TV hit TRAITORS and her legal thriller WITCH TRIALLots of audience questions about Harriet’s appearance on TV hit TRAITORS RNLI volunteer Dominic Gregory shares his poignant memoir with festival attendees Mary Portas kept us entertained with tales of 1990s fashion houses Fun and entertainment at Mary’s book signing alongside festival director Heather David Torrance and Alan Johnson talk politics on the centenary of the General Strike Poetry and pure joy from Sir Alexander McCall Smith alongside Helen BoadenLove and laughter shared with our festival audiences in the company of Sandy…Wonderful talk from Dr Ben Robinson – aka the flying archaeologistA full house for Mary Beard on stage with Alan Johnson at the festival finale Mary and Heather relaxing after the festival finale…And that’s a wrap for this year … director Heather French and some of the team of volunteers. See you all next June and thanks The Scarborough News for the photo.
Books by the Beach 2025
Photo credits to Dave Barry with thanks
Joanne Harris launches our 2025 festival with her new novel ‘Vianne’Annie Gray sharing fun and laughter at her festival event Annie Gray reading from her book on the history of the high street Belinda Bauer (and Rosie) talking thriller writing at Books by the Beach Belinda Bauer book signing Our festival patron, Helen BoadenHistorian Anne Sebba discussing her new book with compassion and empathyProf Jo Fletcher – The Story of Egypt’s Royal WomenAlan Johnson – author, interviewer and festival friendBestselling novelist Tracy Chevalier discusses her new novel with Helen BoadenPolitical expert David Torrance book signing Tim Marshall mid explanation of the world of geo-politicsTim Marshall and interviewer Gerry Foley sharing a joke on stageThe worries of a sound man… ‘Queen of true crime’ Kate Summerscale sharing stage with Alan JohnsonThe lighter side of true-crime writing… Kate SummerscaleHousehold name Jeremy Vine discusses his murder mystery novel Festival regular Jeremy VineSomething tickled nature writer CHLOE DALTON….Nature writer Chloe Dalton (R) and festival director Heather French (L)Leading UK female historian and Tudor novelist Alison WeirWriter and broadcaster Stuart Maconie with festival patron Helen BoadenMusic expert Stuart Maconie sharing his new book on The BeatlesWell-known actor Larry Lamb sharing a laugh with interviewer Helen BoadenAnd that’s a wrap …. Larry Lamb shows his appreciation to the audience
Books by the Beach 2024
Photo credit: Dave Barry
Helen Lederer performing at Books by the BeachThe audience enjoying the eventsHelen Lederer with interviewer Gerry FoleyPolly Toynbee and Alan Johnson in conversationFrank Gardner on the festival stageFrank Gardner in conversation with Helen BoadenRory Clements in conversation with Gerry FoleyDr Helen Scales giving an illustrated talkDr Helen Scales speaking at Books by the BeachDavid Nicholls and interviewer Helen BoadenDavid Nicholls and interviewer Helen BoadenPeter Taylor book signingPeter Taylor and interviewer Helen BoadenProf Joann FletcherProf Joann FletcherStacey Halls book signingStacey Halls
Photo credit: Lesley Dodd
Glenda Young and prize winner at cake and cocktails eventGlenda Young and Heather chatting at The Crescent Hotel
More photos
Jackie Kay performing her wonderful poetryAlan Johnson and Helen Boaden at YMCA TheatreJackie Kay and Helen Boaden on stage togetherJennie Godfrey at her book signingSophie Elmhirst and Heather French at book signingPatrick Grant and Helen Boaden on stage to a full housePatrick and Heather at the end of the festivalAnd that’s a wrap! See you all next year x
Books by the Beach 2023
photo credit: Dave Barry
James FoxJames FoxLuke JenningsLuke JenningsCatherine CurzonCatherine CurzonRachel JoyceRachel JoyceMadeleine BuntingMadeleine BuntingAlan JohnsonAlan JohnsonRev Fergus Butler-GallieRev Fergus Butler-GallieBen JacobBen JacobJenny and LindaJenny, Linda and HeatherStuart MaconieStuart and Heather
Books by the Beach 2022
Alan Johnson and Heather – credit Dave BarryKeith and Sarah, the website designerKeith took the man-size home! Keith won’t give Heather the slip! Keith using the man size tissues!Helen reading from Keith’s memoir Helen Boaden and Keith Brymer JonesChloe Duckworth presenting annual beer naming prize to Jonathan Fleming Helen Boaden and Chloe Duckworth John and Heather Shots from cave diving deep below ground Inspiring Thai cave rescue story with lead diver John Volanthen Anita reading from ‘ I Belong Here’. Anita Sethi and Helen Boaden on stage at St Mary’s Church Host Gerry Foley with Charlie Higson Host Gerry Foley with Charlie Higson Helen Boaden and Lucy Easthope sharing stage Lucy Easthope and Heather sharing a giggle Patrick with Marion, a festival volunteerPatrick Gale book signing Nick Crane talking ‘Latitude’ at St Mary’s Church Lisa having fun at Books by the Beach Lisa Jewell and Will Brooker Scarborough through the wheel Patrick and Heather, festival director Patrick Gale and Helen Boaden on stage
Books by the Beach 2021
Books by the Beach 2019
Photos with Kind Courtesy of Dave Barry, photographer
