Raworths signs up for fourth 
year as Literary Festival sponsor

The annual Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival, which is part of the Harrogate International Festival, takes place from Thursday, July 2 to Sunday, July 5 at The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, and features a wealth of high-profile talent.

Zoe Robinson, managing partner at Raworths said: “It’s a remarkable line-up of authors this year. We strongly believe our business should enrich the community in which we live and work.

“As a forward-thinking law firm and one of the longest established, like the Harrogate Festival, we are part of the fabric of Harrogate. We’re proud to continue our support.”

Literary heavyweights include Louis de Bernières, Joanne Harris and Sadie Jones, while from the world of politics, Labour MPs Dennis Skinner and Alan Johnson will present their memoirs, and Sam Delaney will give a behind-the-scenes tour of the election campaigns of the last four decades. Former Newsnight journalist Gavin Esler will reveal the leadership techniques of celebrities from Bill Clinton to Angelina Jolie.

Ultimo founder, businesswoman Michelle Mone, stars in the Raworths Literary Lunch, while political economist Will Hutton explores how to change the way we do business for everyone’s benefit.

Other authors include BBC broadcaster Edith Bowman, comedian Dom Joly, Noddy Holder of Slade, Bill Oddie, with comedians Jenny Eclair and Viv Groskop delivering a double act. Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan also return.

Sharon Canvar, CEO of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “As an arts charity, only 2 per cent of our income is from public money and we are therefore so grateful for Raworths continuing support. Harrogate attracts the biggest names; it shows what’s possible when the business community steps up for the arts.”

The Festivals runs a Premier Partner scheme that invites businesses to support the arts.

Premier Partners include T&R Theakston, HACs, Harrogate Advertiser, Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Santander, Marshall Zoing, McCormicks Solicitors, The Old Swan Hotel, Open Harrogate, St John Fisher Catholic High School, Transdev, The West Park Hotel and The Academy.