Raworths announces continuing sponsorship of annual Harrogate Literature Festival

Law firm Raworths has announced its continuing sponsorship of the Harrogate Literature Festival for the next five years.

The pledge was made by its Managing Partner, Simon Morris, at a packed literary lunch at the town’s Crown Hotel, starring Calendar’s Queen of Dictionary Corner, Susie Dent.

This year marked a decade of Raworths association with the annual event, which is curated and produced by Harrogate International Festivals, and named by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the UK’s Best Literary Festivals.

Over the last ten years, the festival has welcomed an array of celebrated writers including former Prime Minister David Cameron, Sharpe creator Bernard Cornwell, Sarah Ferguson Duchess of York, former Labour leader Ed Miliband, BBC presenter Louise Minchin and author Ayisha Malik.

Guest speakers appearing alongside Susie at this year’s Tenth Anniversary Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival included Chris Ryan, Professor AC Grayling, Nihal Arthanayake, Lady Brenda Hale, Sarfraz Manzoor, Carole Walker and Stella Duffy.

Mr Morris said: “We are very proud to have supported the Harrogate Literature Festival since its inception a decade ago. Over that time it has grown from strength to strength, bringing a diverse array of speakers to Harrogate, enriching the community and promoting the region.

“We are delighted to be committing to the next five years and look forward to working alongside the festival team in continuing to develop this cultural keystone.”

Sharon Canavar, Harrogate International Festivals Chief Executive, said: “This month sees us celebrating ten years of an amazing partnership with Raworths, and I’m thrilled it’s to continue for another five years.

“We are incredibly proud of our relationship, and delighted that the firm has put its faith in us to continue to produce an exciting programme of events as part of our literature festival.

“What began as a series of speakers in our acclaimed ‘Summer Season’, which featured names such as Michael Palin, Richard & Judy and Joanne Harris, with Raworths’ full support has become this prestigious standalone weekend, one that is a key part of the national literary calendar, and recognised as one of the best in the UK.

“Raworths support also helps to bring free family activities and outdoor activations to the Festival line up, which this year included a book trail and a ‘Talking Heads’ large scale interactive digital installation outside The Crown Hotel.”

Find out more about Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival here.