Podcasts about durham book festival

This podcast features Jason Ellis, Professor of Sleep Science at Northumbria University, and director of the Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research. Professor Jason Ellis introduces 'Encroach', an exclusive short story which dives into the experience of insomnia, written and read by award-winning poet Andrew McMillan. Sleep Stories is a three-part podcast series, inspired by sleep and the contemporary sleep crisis. It is co-commissioned by Durham Book Festival, Northumbria University and Politecnico di Milano (Italy).A transcript is available here: https://newwritingnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Encroach-podcast-transcript.pdf This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement 892459. The Agency is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information the 'Sleep Stories' commission contains.

This podcast features Dr Diletta De Cristofaro, a literary and cultural studies scholar and investigator on the 'Writing the Sleep Crisis' research project. Dr Cristofaro introduces 'The Night Watch', an exclusive short story which engages with lack of sleep in our 21st century society, written and read by acclaimed author Jenn Ashworth. Sleep Stories is a three-part podcast series, inspired by sleep and the contemporary sleep crisis. It is co-commissioned by Durham Book Festival, Northumbria University and Politecnico di Milano (Italy).A transcript is available here: https://durhambookfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/The-Night-Watch-podcast-transcript31.pdf This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement 892459. The Agency is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information the 'Sleep Stories' commission contains.

Set off on this newly commissioned self-guided literary walk and discover Durham's beautiful Heritage Coast! The UK is hosting the international community in Glasgow in November for COP26 – a United Nations conference where world leaders will discuss how to combat the climate emergency. Spend time walking in the lively harbour town of Seaham and along the Durham Heritage Coast enjoying the built and natural environment. Explore issues of climate change through the written word set against the backdrop of the former coal mining town, its surrounding landscape, seascape, and history. The walk lasts approximately half a day, longer if you include a meal break on the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk involves steep slopes and steps. This walk is created by Ruth Robson and includes material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England.

Set off on this newly commissioned self-guided literary walk and discover Durham's beautiful Heritage Coast! The UK is hosting the international community in Glasgow in November for COP26 – a United Nations conference where world leaders will discuss how to combat the climate emergency. Spend time walking in the lively harbour town of Seaham and along the Durham Heritage Coast enjoying the built and natural environment. Explore issues of climate change through the written word set against the backdrop of the former coal mining town, its surrounding landscape, seascape, and history. The walk lasts approximately half a day, longer if you include a meal break on the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk involves steep slopes and steps. This walk is created by Ruth Robson and includes material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England.

Set off on this newly commissioned self-guided literary walk and discover Durham's beautiful Heritage Coast! The UK is hosting the international community in Glasgow in November for COP26 – a United Nations conference where world leaders will discuss how to combat the climate emergency. Spend time walking in the lively harbour town of Seaham and along the Durham Heritage Coast enjoying the built and natural environment. Explore issues of climate change through the written word set against the backdrop of the former coal mining town, its surrounding landscape, seascape, and history. The walk lasts approximately half a day, longer if you include a meal break on the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk involves steep slopes and steps. This walk is created by Ruth Robson and includes material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England.

Set off on this newly commissioned self-guided literary walk and discover Durham's beautiful Heritage Coast! The UK is hosting the international community in Glasgow in November for COP26 – a United Nations conference where world leaders will discuss how to combat the climate emergency. Spend time walking in the lively harbour town of Seaham and along the Durham Heritage Coast enjoying the built and natural environment. Explore issues of climate change through the written word set against the backdrop of the former coal mining town, its surrounding landscape, seascape, and history. The walk lasts approximately half a day, longer if you include a meal break on the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk involves steep slopes and steps. This walk is created by Ruth Robson and includes material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England.

Set off on this newly commissioned self-guided literary walk and discover Durham's beautiful Heritage Coast! The UK is hosting the international community in Glasgow in November for COP26 – a United Nations conference where world leaders will discuss how to combat the climate emergency. Spend time walking in the lively harbour town of Seaham and along the Durham Heritage Coast enjoying the built and natural environment. Explore issues of climate change through the written word set against the backdrop of the former coal mining town, its surrounding landscape, seascape, and history. The walk lasts approximately half a day, longer if you include a meal break on the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk involves steep slopes and steps. This walk is created by Ruth Robson and includes material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England.

Set off on this newly commissioned self-guided literary walk and discover Durham's beautiful Heritage Coast! The UK is hosting the international community in Glasgow in November for COP26 – a United Nations conference where world leaders will discuss how to combat the climate emergency. Spend time walking in the lively harbour town of Seaham and along the Durham Heritage Coast enjoying the built and natural environment. Explore issues of climate change through the written word set against the backdrop of the former coal mining town, its surrounding landscape, seascape, and history. The walk lasts approximately half a day, longer if you include a meal break on the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk involves steep slopes and steps. This walk is created by Ruth Robson and includes material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England.

Set off on this newly commissioned self-guided literary walk and discover Durham's beautiful Heritage Coast! The UK is hosting the international community in Glasgow in November for COP26 – a United Nations conference where world leaders will discuss how to combat the climate emergency. Spend time walking in the lively harbour town of Seaham and along the Durham Heritage Coast enjoying the built and natural environment. Explore issues of climate change through the written word set against the backdrop of the former coal mining town, its surrounding landscape, seascape, and history. The walk lasts approximately half a day, longer if you include a meal break on the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk involves steep slopes and steps. This walk is created by Ruth Robson and includes material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England.

Set off on this newly commissioned self-guided literary walk and discover Durham's beautiful Heritage Coast! The UK is hosting the international community in Glasgow in November for COP26 – a United Nations conference where world leaders will discuss how to combat the climate emergency. Spend time walking in the lively harbour town of Seaham and along the Durham Heritage Coast enjoying the built and natural environment. Explore issues of climate change through the written word set against the backdrop of the former coal mining town, its surrounding landscape, seascape, and history. The walk lasts approximately half a day, longer if you include a meal break on the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk involves steep slopes and steps. This walk is created by Ruth Robson and includes material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England.

Set off on this newly commissioned self-guided literary walk and discover Durham's beautiful Heritage Coast! The UK is hosting the international community in Glasgow in November for COP26 – a United Nations conference where world leaders will discuss how to combat the climate emergency. Spend time walking in the lively harbour town of Seaham and along the Durham Heritage Coast enjoying the built and natural environment. Explore issues of climate change through the written word set against the backdrop of the former coal mining town, its surrounding landscape, seascape, and history. The walk lasts approximately half a day, longer if you include a meal break on the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk involves steep slopes and steps. This walk is created by Ruth Robson and includes material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England.

Set off on this newly commissioned self-guided literary walk and discover Durham's beautiful Heritage Coast! The UK is hosting the international community in Glasgow in November for COP26 – a United Nations conference where world leaders will discuss how to combat the climate emergency. Spend time walking in the lively harbour town of Seaham and along the Durham Heritage Coast enjoying the built and natural environment. Explore issues of climate change through the written word set against the backdrop of the former coal mining town, its surrounding landscape, seascape, and history. The walk lasts approximately half a day, longer if you include a meal break on the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk involves steep slopes and steps. This walk is created by Ruth Robson and includes material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England.

Set off on this newly commissioned self-guided literary walk and discover Durham's beautiful Heritage Coast! The UK is hosting the international community in Glasgow in November for COP26 – a United Nations conference where world leaders will discuss how to combat the climate emergency. Spend time walking in the lively harbour town of Seaham and along the Durham Heritage Coast enjoying the built and natural environment. Explore issues of climate change through the written word set against the backdrop of the former coal mining town, its surrounding landscape, seascape, and history. The walk lasts approximately half a day, longer if you include a meal break on the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk involves steep slopes and steps. This walk is created by Ruth Robson and includes material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England.

Set off on this newly commissioned self-guided literary walk and discover Durham's beautiful Heritage Coast! The UK is hosting the international community in Glasgow in November for COP26 – a United Nations conference where world leaders will discuss how to combat the climate emergency. Spend time walking in the lively harbour town of Seaham and along the Durham Heritage Coast enjoying the built and natural environment. Explore issues of climate change through the written word set against the backdrop of the former coal mining town, its surrounding landscape, seascape, and history. The walk lasts approximately half a day, longer if you include a meal break on the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk involves steep slopes and steps. This walk is created by Ruth Robson and includes material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England.

It could be said that Durham City exists because of crime. Pillaging by raiding Vikings led to the city's formation as we know it today. Take a walk around Durham and hear how crimes gone by have been recorded through the written word. Discover how the city and its hinterland have provided a backdrop and been incorporated into crime fiction and writing. The walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk includes hills and the city's woodland and riverbanks, the group will meet outside the Gala Theatre before making their way to Durham Market Place where the walk will finish. You can download a free self-guided downloadable audio version of the walk from 9 October. Created by Ruth Robson and including material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England. Transcripts will be provided for all audio tours.

It could be said that Durham City exists because of crime. Pillaging by raiding Vikings led to the city's formation as we know it today. Take a walk around Durham and hear how crimes gone by have been recorded through the written word. Discover how the city and its hinterland have provided a backdrop and been incorporated into crime fiction and writing. The walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk includes hills and the city's woodland and riverbanks, the group will meet outside the Gala Theatre before making their way to Durham Market Place where the walk will finish. You can download a free self-guided downloadable audio version of the walk from 9 October. Created by Ruth Robson and including material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England. Transcripts will be provided for all audio tours.

It could be said that Durham City exists because of crime. Pillaging by raiding Vikings led to the city's formation as we know it today. Take a walk around Durham and hear how crimes gone by have been recorded through the written word. Discover how the city and its hinterland have provided a backdrop and been incorporated into crime fiction and writing. The walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk includes hills and the city's woodland and riverbanks, the group will meet outside the Gala Theatre before making their way to Durham Market Place where the walk will finish. You can download a free self-guided downloadable audio version of the walk from 9 October. Created by Ruth Robson and including material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England. Transcripts will be provided for all audio tours.

It could be said that Durham City exists because of crime. Pillaging by raiding Vikings led to the city's formation as we know it today. Take a walk around Durham and hear how crimes gone by have been recorded through the written word. Discover how the city and its hinterland have provided a backdrop and been incorporated into crime fiction and writing. The walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk includes hills and the city's woodland and riverbanks, the group will meet outside the Gala Theatre before making their way to Durham Market Place where the walk will finish. You can download a free self-guided downloadable audio version of the walk from 9 October. Created by Ruth Robson and including material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England. Transcripts will be provided for all audio tours.

It could be said that Durham City exists because of crime. Pillaging by raiding Vikings led to the city's formation as we know it today. Take a walk around Durham and hear how crimes gone by have been recorded through the written word. Discover how the city and its hinterland have provided a backdrop and been incorporated into crime fiction and writing. The walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk includes hills and the city's woodland and riverbanks, the group will meet outside the Gala Theatre before making their way to Durham Market Place where the walk will finish. You can download a free self-guided downloadable audio version of the walk from 9 October. Created by Ruth Robson and including material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England. Transcripts will be provided for all audio tours.

It could be said that Durham City exists because of crime. Pillaging by raiding Vikings led to the city's formation as we know it today. Take a walk around Durham and hear how crimes gone by have been recorded through the written word. Discover how the city and its hinterland have provided a backdrop and been incorporated into crime fiction and writing. The walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk includes hills and the city's woodland and riverbanks, the group will meet outside the Gala Theatre before making their way to Durham Market Place where the walk will finish. You can download a free self-guided downloadable audio version of the walk from 9 October. Created by Ruth Robson and including material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England. Transcripts will be provided for all audio tours.

It could be said that Durham City exists because of crime. Pillaging by raiding Vikings led to the city's formation as we know it today. Take a walk around Durham and hear how crimes gone by have been recorded through the written word. Discover how the city and its hinterland have provided a backdrop and been incorporated into crime fiction and writing. The walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk includes hills and the city's woodland and riverbanks, the group will meet outside the Gala Theatre before making their way to Durham Market Place where the walk will finish. You can download a free self-guided downloadable audio version of the walk from 9 October. Created by Ruth Robson and including material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England. Transcripts will be provided for all audio tours.

It could be said that Durham City exists because of crime. Pillaging by raiding Vikings led to the city's formation as we know it today. Take a walk around Durham and hear how crimes gone by have been recorded through the written word. Discover how the city and its hinterland have provided a backdrop and been incorporated into crime fiction and writing. The walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Please dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring sturdy footwear. The walk includes hills and the city's woodland and riverbanks, the group will meet outside the Gala Theatre before making their way to Durham Market Place where the walk will finish. You can download a free self-guided downloadable audio version of the walk from 9 October. Created by Ruth Robson and including material researched as part of Writing Durham, a partnership between Durham Book Festival and Durham University. Ruth Robson grew up in Sunderland, part of the historic County of Durham, leaving to go to university. Following a career in broadcasting in North East England, London and New York, she has since worked in the cultural and heritage sectors in the United States and back in her native North East England. Transcripts will be provided for all audio tours.

This podcast features Dr Eric Hoel, a neuroscientist and author of the Revelations, who introduces 'Daffodilly Dreams', an exclusive short story about the power of dreams, written and read by acclaimed author Salena Godden. Sleep Stories is a three-part podcast series, inspired by sleep and the contemporary sleep crisis. It is co-commissioned by Durham Book Festival, Northumbria University and Politecnico di Milano (Italy).A transcript is available here: https://durhambookfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Daffodilly-Dreams-podcast-transcript-1.pdf This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement 892459. The Agency is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information the 'Sleep Stories' commission contains.

The theme of this year's National Poetry Day is choice. Shahidha Bari is joined by Marvin Thompson, winner of this year's Poetry Society National Poetry Competition, and poet and New Generation Thinker Jake Morris-Campbell to discuss the choices poets make in their work, and the choices audiences make in their reception of poetry too. But is choice an illusion? What does it mean to choose anyway? Philosopher Clare Carlisle discusses the analysis of choice offered by the 17th century Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza, and the economist Carol Propper discusses the concept of choice in economics. Marvin Thompson's prize winning poem is The Fruit of the Spirit Is Love (Galatians 5:22) https://poetrysociety.org.uk/poems/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-is-love-galatians-522 His poem for National Poetry Day is May 8th, 2020 https://nationalpoetryday.co.uk/poem/may-8th-2020/ Clare Carlisle's book Spinoza's Religion is published by Princeton University Press on the 12th October Jake Morris-Campbell will be at the Durham Book Festival on the 17th October reading from his forthcoming collection Corrigenda for Costafine Town, tickets are available here https://durhambookfestival.com/programme/event/north-east-poetry-showcase-john-challis-jo-clement-and-jake-morris-campbell/ Producer: Luke Mulhall

Join the Durham Book Festival team, as they discuss some of the books they recommend cosying up with over this winter. In this episode, Grace, Rebecca and Will treat us to their book highlights along with their favourite Christmas songs and films. Books mentioned in the podcast can be found here on our Bookshop list: https://uk.bookshop.org/wishlists/28e190a66be39c45e840ea54843c7fd0c6bf2034

We interview Hamish Garland, President of Durham Opera Ensemble, about the exciting world of opera and their approach to performance in Covid-19 times. Catherine reviews the National Youth Theatre's online events, while Lim shares what she has read from Durham Book Festival's 'New Narratives for the North East'.

In this episode of Up North Books, we're bringing you something a bit different. This week, in partnership with Durham Book Festival, we were very excited to get the chance to interview Mim Skinner. Mim is the author of Jailbirds, published in 2019 by Seven Dials. Inspired by her work in a women's prison, her memoir gives voice to women's experiences and rewrites the narrative on prison life. We asked Mim about the process of creating this book, as well as her newly commissioned piece with New Writing North, Camaraderie and Chaos. Links to things mentioned: Mim's book Camaraderie and Chaos Citizen Song Writers Durham Book Festival

Poet Daljit Nagra and crime writer Val McDermid discuss capturing different forms of speech, a sense of place, and politics - in a conversation organised with the Royal Society of Literature and Durham Book Festival, and hosted by presenter Shahidha Bari. Plus, how the medieval fable of Reynard the Fox has lessons for us all today. As a new translation and retelling by Anne Louise Avery is published, she joins Shahidha to discuss the book with Noreen Masud - a BBC/AHRC New Generation Thinker from Durham University. Based on William Caxton's translation of the medieval Flemish folk tale, this is the story of a wily fox - a subversive, dashing, and anarchic character - summoned to the court of King Noble the Lion. But is he the character you want to emulate, or does Bruin the Bear offer us a better template? Reynard the Fox, a new version with illustrations, is published by the Bodleian Library, and is translated and retold by Anne Louise Avery. Daljit Nagra is the author of British Museum; Ramayana - A Retelling; Tippoo Sultan's Incredible White-Man-Eating Tiger Toy-Machine!!!; and, Look We Have Coming to Dover. Val McDermid is the author of several crime fiction series: Lindsay Gordon; Kate Brannigan; DCI Karen Pirie; and, beginning in 1995, the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series, which was televised as Wire in the Blood. Her latest book - a Karen Pirie thriller - was published in August 2020 and is called Still Life. Details of events for Durham Book Festival https://durhambookfestival.com/ One of the events features Durham academic Emily Thomas talking about travel and philosophy - you can hear her in a Free Thinking episode called Maths and philosophy puzzles https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000fws2 Crime writer Ian Rankin compared notes on writing about place with Bangladeshi born British author Tahmima Anam in an RSL conversation linked to the Bradford Literature Festival https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000khk6 You can find more book talk on the website of the Royal Society of Literature https://rsliterature.org/ There are more book interviews on the Free Thinking playlist Prose and Poetry https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p047v6vh This includes: Anne Fine with Romesh Gunesekara; Irenosen Okojie with Nadifa Mohamed; and Paul Mendez with Francesca Wade. Producer: Emma Wallace

A special round-table discussion where New Writing North’s Chief Executive, Claire Malcolm talks to writers Lisette Auton, Carmen Marcus and Mim Skinner about the approaches that they took to creating their pieces of work. All three writers chose to collaborate with other creatives and communities to make their work. The podcast explores how they did this and what writing collaboratively with others enables. New Narratives for the North East is a New Writing North commission with the North East Cultural Partnership supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This series is produced for Durham Book Festival, a Durham County Council festival supported by Durham University and Arts Council England. The series was made in York by Sonderbug Productions with music specially composed and recorded in Newcastle by Jayne Dent.

Tony Harrison, poet and playwright, was born in Leeds and lives in Newcastle. His poem ‘Durham’, written in 1970, starts playfully: ‘Durham St Cuthbert’s Shrine, founded 999’ A Literary Pilgrimage of Durham is written by Ruth Robson and was commissioned as part of Durham Book Festival 2020

‘To me the Gala is the most joyous and emotional day it’s possible to have. I was taken to my first Gala when I was eight years old and I marched behind the band and the banner of Fishburn Colliery with my mother and Great-Uncle Wilf and Aunt Lizzie. It was always a wonderful day out, with three great emotional moments in it. First, there was the pride you felt at marching behind the lodge banner towards the racecourse, then there was the moment when we stopped outside the County Hotel and the band played their serenade to the big shots on the balcony, and finally there was the parade to the cathedral for the miners’ service.’ This description of the Miners’ Gala, which always takes place on the 2nd Saturday in July, is by Booker Prize-winning author DBC Pierre, whose mother is from Durham. He lived in Durham as a child in the 1960s. A Literary Pilgrimage of Durham is written by Ruth Robson and was commissioned as part of Durham Book Festival 2020

One November evening in 1869 a group of men met in the Market Tavern in Durham, looking to improve the lot of the working class after decades of hardship and struggle against Victorian coal owners. That meeting led to the creation of Redhills, known as the ‘Pitman’s Parliament’: home of the Durham Miners’ Association, which formed in 1869. A Literary Pilgrimage of Durham is written by Ruth Robson and was commissioned as part of Durham Book Festival 2020

The Colpitts Hotel was established around 1836 by John Colpitts. John died in 1891 and in 1892 it was bought by the Smith family of Tadcaster, Yorkshire, and continues as a Sam Smith pub. In 1975 its back room became the venue for a series of live poetry readings known as Colpitts Poetry. A Literary Pilgrimage of Durham is written by Ruth Robson and was commissioned as part of Durham Book Festival 2020

Margery Lane Allotments occupy a space quarried to build Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral and, afterwards, the site of medieval fishponds. The cathedral and, on winter days with no leaves on the trees, the castle can be seen dominating the city skyline. A Literary Pilgrimage of Durham is written by Ruth Robson and was commissioned as part of Durham Book Festival 2020

Folklore and legends are prevalent in writing in and about Durham. One such legend is that of the Dun Cow, part recorded by the 12th Century monk Symeon of Durham, and further recorded in The Rites of Durham in the mid-16th Century. A Literary Pilgrimage of Durham is written by Ruth Robson and was commissioned as part of Durham Book Festival 2020

The view to the south east of Framwellgate Bridge is dominated by Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral as they tower over the River Wear and the rest of the city. A Literary Pilgrimage of Durham is written by Ruth Robson and was commissioned as part of Durham Book Festival 2020

The Magdalene Steps, named after a medieval hospice, lead onto Saddler Street which in turn is the route up to the centre of the Durham World Heritage Site. Elvet Bridge, to the east, is home to several independent shops and two branches of Oxfam, one specialising in vintage clothes and the other in second-hand books. A Literary Pilgrimage of Durham is written by Ruth Robson and was commissioned as part of Durham Book Festival 2020

Welcome to A Literary Pilgrimage of Durham, part of Durham Book Festival, produced by New Writing North.The County and City of Durham have been much written about, being the birthplace, residence, and inspiration for many writers of both fact, fiction, and poetry. Before we delve into stories of scribes, poets, academia, prize-winning authors, political discourse, and folklore passed down through generations, we need to know why the city is here. A Literary Pilgrimage of Durham is written by Ruth Robson and was commissioned as part of Durham Book Festival 2020

"They tell us that we live on a tiny crowded island. They try to tell us that we are tiny within ourselves. Tell them to come up here with the skylark, to forget what they think they know, and to look down upon the vastness of the North." David Almond, from Sing the North. Welcome to our audio series which explores the work created for the New Narratives for the North East project through a series of four podcast episodes. Join us in this episode to explore the North-East's distinctive urban spaces and explore how those on the inside read and think about our cities and towns Hear from many of the writers involved in the project about the ideas that inspired their work and also their relationship with the region and regional identity. Through interview and extracts of their work as well as the varied sounds of the North East, many of the themes of the work come to the fore. Here we discuss what makes this part of England distinct and what its future might look like. The characters that emerge are not just those of the writers, but also that of the sea, or the Wall, or indeed the multi-faceted region itself. New Narratives for the North East is a New Writing North commission with the North East Cultural Partnership supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This series is produced for Durham Book Festival, a Durham County Council festival supported by Durham University and Arts Council England. The series was made in York by Sonderbug Productions with music specially composed and recorded in Newcastle by Jayne Dent.

Welcome to our audio series which explores the work created for the New Narratives for the North East project through a series of four podcast episodes. Here in this episode we explore the North-East's relationship with its borders, of land and sea, and how being on this edge informs its character, communities and perspectives. Hear from many of the writers involved in the project about the ideas that inspired their work and also their relationship with the region and regional identity. Through interview and extracts of their work as well as the varied sounds of the North East, many of the themes of the work come to the fore. Here we discuss what makes this part of England distinct and what its future might look like. The characters that emerge are not just those of the writers, but also that of the sea, or the Wall, or indeed the multi-faceted region itself. New Narratives for the North East is a New Writing North commission with the North East Cultural Partnership supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This series is produced for Durham Book Festival, a Durham County Council festival supported by Durham University and Arts Council England. The series was made in York by Sonderbug Productions with music specially composed and recorded in Newcastle by Jayne Dent.

"They tell us that we live on a tiny crowded island. They try to tell us that we are tiny within ourselves. Tell them to come up here with the skylark, to forget what they think they know, and to look down upon the vastness of the North." David Almond, from Sing the North. Welcome to our audio series which explores the work created for the New Narratives for the North East project through a series of four podcast episodes. Hear from many of the writers involved in the project about the ideas that inspired their work and also their relationship with the region and regional identity. Through interview and extracts of their work as well as the varied sounds of the North East, many of the themes of the work come to the fore. Here we discuss what makes this part of England distinct and what its future might look like. The characters that emerge are not just those of the writers, but also that of the sea, or the Wall, or indeed the multi-faceted region itself. New Narratives for the North East is a New Writing North commission with the North East Cultural Partnership supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This series is produced for Durham Book Festival, a Durham County Council festival supported by Durham University and Arts Council England. The series was made in York by Sonderbug Productions with music specially composed and recorded in Newcastle by Jayne Dent.

In this specially recorded podcast, which forms part of Durham Book Festival's Writing Durham series, DBC Pierre will talk about a specially commissioned piece The Long Cascade, which is inspired by his family’s strong connection to Durham, as well as his latest novel Meanwhile in Dopamine City. DBC Pierre is in conversation with Lee Brackstone, White Rabbit Books.

Join the Durham Book Festival team, as they discuss some of the books they’ve loved reading in 2020. In this special podcast, Claire, Rebecca and Grace, share their highs and lows of reading in lockdown and highlight some of the new titles they are most looking forward to delving into this Autumn. Books mentioned in the podcast: How Much of These Hills is Gold by C Pam Zhang Pew by Catherine Lacey The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld The Bass Rock by Evie Wyld Djinn Patrol on the Purlple Line by Deepa Anappara Humankind by Rutger Bregman Shadow State by Luke Harding Twilight of Democracy: The Failure of Politics and the Passing of Friends by Anne Applebaum Little Eyes by Samantha Schweblin Intimations by Zadie Smith The Deficit Myth by Stephanie Kelton In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado Xstabeth by David Keenan The Divers’ Game by Jesse Ball The Less Dead by Denise Mina The Searcher by Tana French Inside Story by Martin Amis Let’s Do It: the Authorised Biography of Victoria Wood by Jasper Rees Mr Wilder and Me by Jonathan Coe Love After Love by Ingrid Persuad The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton Anxious People by Fredrik Backman Mexican Gothic by Slivia Moreno-Garcia The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams Daddy by Emma Cline The Mission House by Carys Davies Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagan Notes from an Apocalypse by Mark O’Connell How to Stay Sane in an Age of Division by Elif Shafak Glass Town by Isabel Greenberg

Welcome to our audio series which explores the work created for the New Narratives for the North East project through a series of four podcast episodes. This episode looks forwards, refiguring the North-East's heritage, opening new ideas and exploring potential future narratives for the region as we look to the future. Hear from many of the writers involved in the project about the ideas that inspired their work and also their relationship with the region and regional identity. Through interview and extracts of their work as well as the varied sounds of the North East, many of the themes of the work come to the fore. Here we discuss what makes this part of England distinct and what its future might look like. The characters that emerge are not just those of the writers, but also that of the sea, or the Wall, or indeed the multi-faceted region itself. New Narratives for the North East is a New Writing North commission with the North East Cultural Partnership supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This series is produced for Durham Book Festival, a Durham County Council festival supported by Durham University and Arts Council England. The series was made in York by Sonderbug Productions with music specially composed and recorded in Newcastle by Jayne Dent.

A new podcast about an ancient dale from journalist and broadcaster Caroline Beck.     Somewhere high up in the North Pennines, between everywhere and nowhere at all, is Weardale, a remote northern dale.  It’s a place of old lead mines, deep worked out limestone quarries, and hill farming; the home of day-dreamers, explorers, incomers, artists, philosophers, sky-watchers, story tellers and travellers.    Over a series of ten exclusive interviews with writers and poets Caroline has gone in search of  what it means to live in  England’s last wilderness.  As the series reaches its final episode, she returns home on regular walk up into a former quarry now overgrown with wildflowers, where nature has healed its own ravages, and which has a restorative effect on the walker. As she reflects on the interviews she has undertaken with writers across the series, she also considers the very concept of ‘home’ itself. Narrated and recorded by Caroline Beck Produced by Jay Sykes Ten Words for a Northern Landscape  is commissioned by  Northern Heartlands and produced as part of Durham Book Festival, a Durham County Council event. The recording was made possible by funding and support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. Look out for  Ten Words  for a Northern Landscape  on the New Writing North podcast and Durham Book Festival website.  #10wordspodcast

A new podcast about an ancient dale from journalist and broadcaster Caroline Beck. Somewhere high up in the North Pennines, between everywhere and nowhere at all, is Weardale, a remote northern dale. It’s a place of old lead mines, deep worked out limestone quarries, and hill farming; the home of day-dreamers, explorers, incomers, artists, philosophers, sky-watchers, story tellers and travellers. Over a series of ten exclusive interviews with writers and poets Caroline goes in search of what it means to live in England’s last wilderness. In this ninth episode, Caroline considers grouse-shooting, one of the major uses for land in the area - and one which polarises the local community. She meets Dr Mark Avery, an outspoken environmental campaigner, the former director of conservation at Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and the author of hard-hitting book about grouse-shooting, Inglorious: Conflict in the Uplands. Local resident Colin Organ, from Rookhope, involved in game sports since childhood, offers an opposing perspective rooted in preserving a rural way of life, while Roisin Beck-Taylor, Caroline’s daughter, who worked on a hill farm for nine years and now works in conservation, discusses the complicated relationship between economy and conservation. Narrated and recorded by Caroline Beck Produced by Jay Sykes Ten Words for a Northern Landscape is commissioned Northern Heartlands and produced as part of Durham Book Festival, a Durham County Council event. The recording was made possible by funding and support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. Look out for Ten Words for a Northern Landscape on the New Writing North podcast and Durham Book Festival website. #10wordspodcast

In the eighth episode - Childhood - Caroline goes on a journey across the uplands, meeting and talking with poets, teachers, writers, illustrators and playwrights. In Wearhead Primary School, she speaks to deputy headteacher Liz Judges about children growing up in Weardale and how living in the countryside affects them. The disparity between schooling and life experience for young people in rural areas compared to bigger cities is explored, and we hear how teenagers kept themselves entertained when there was just ‘one bus going to Newcastle on Saturdays’. With author Sarah Moss, Caroline talks about northern identity, working class masculinity and growing up in rural areas. Critics have called Moss’s latest book, Ghost Wall, ‘a Brexit novel’, about a man enthralled by a lost England. The narrative focuses on Bill, a father keen to implement the social mores and societal rules of a Britain from long ago, and his beloved daughter who is growing into a woman in front of him. Narrated and recorded by Caroline Beck Produced by Jay Sykes Ten Words for a Northern Landscape is commissioned Northern Heartlands and produced as part of Durham Book Festival, a Durham County Council event. The recording was made possible by funding and support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. Look out for Ten Words for a Northern Landscape on the New Writing North podcast and Durham Book Festival website. #10wordspodcast

A new podcast about an ancient dale from journalist and broadcaster Caroline Beck. Somewhere high up in the North Pennines, between everywhere and nowhere at all, is Weardale, a remote northern dale. It’s a place of old lead mines, deep worked out limestone quarries, and hill farming; the home of day-dreamers, explorers, incomers, artists, philosophers, sky-watchers, story tellers and travellers. Over a series of ten exclusive interviews with writers and poets Caroline goes in search of what it means to live in England’s last wilderness. In the seventh episode - Exile - Caroline goes on a journey across the uplands, meeting and talking with Syrian refugees, curators and poets. Caroline talks to the poet Gillian Allnutt about their time at a textiles workshop put on for Syrian refugees. Gillian has been working with refugees and asylum seekers in the North East for years and Caroline visited her making textile butterflies with a group of Syrian refugees who have been settled in County Durham. The collision of home and exile is explored through needlework, talking and singing songs. Caroline also visits the exhibition, Craft and Conflict, curated by Karen Babayan. Award winning ceramicist, Paul Scott’s work is celebrated for capturing the history and mood of Damascus, with the families agreeing that the exhibition has successfully mixed the two cultures together, provoking memory, thought, grief and happiness. Narrated and recorded by Caroline Beck Produced by Jay Sykes Ten Words for a Northern Landscape is commissioned Northern Heartlands and produced as part of Durham Book Festival, a Durham County Council event. The recording was made possible by funding and support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. Look out for Ten Words for a Northern Landscape on the New Writing North podcast and Durham Book Festival website. #10wordspodcast

Over a series of ten exclusive interviews with writers and poets Caroline goes in search of what it means to live in England’s last Wilderness. In the sixth episode, Gypsy, Caroline delves into Weardale’s significant connections with the Gypsy Roma Traveller community. Writer Damian Le Bas, author of The Stopping Places: A Journey Through Gypsy Britain, joins Caroline to offer an insight into the lesser-known history of the Weardale area, particularly in relation to the nearby Appleby Horse Fair. They discuss some of the limited portrayals of Gypsy Roma Traveller community that have been told over the years and open our eyes to the vastness and richness of a hard-working community. Narrated and recorded by Caroline Beck Produced by Jay Sykes Ten Words for a Northern Landscape is commissioned Northern Heartlands and produced as part of Durham Book Festival, a Durham County Council event. The recording was made possible by funding and support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. Look out for Ten Words for a Northern Landscape on the New Writing North podcast and Durham Book Festival website. #10wordspodcast

Ten Words for a Northern Landscape: Episode 5: Escape A new podcast about an ancient dale from journalist and broadcaster Caroline Beck. Somewhere high up in the North Pennines, between and everywhere and nowhere at all, is Weardale, a remote northern dale. It’s a place of old lead mines, deep worked out limestone quarries, and hill farming: the home of day-dreamers, explores, incomers, artists, philosophers, sky-watchers, story tellers and travellers. Over a series of ten exclusive interviews with writers and poets Caroline goes in search of what it means to leave in England’s last wilderness. In this episode Caroline explores two experiences of the North Pennines as home: considering it as somewhere that people escape from and escape into. Caroline talks to Debbie Loane, an artist who relocated to Weardale as a young woman. Her painting was heavily influenced by the industrial archaeology and natural resources; this landscape remains the focus of her work despite no longer living there. Together they discuss the status of an outsider, and the deep and continuing connection that Debbie formed with the area. Walking across the dale, writer Madeleine Bunting reflects on her childhood in North Yorkshire, and her relationship with her father, the sculptor John Bunting, who installed the family there. Madeleine moved away at sixteen, but returned years later after her father’s death and wrote her memoir The Plot. Narrated and recorded by Caroline Beck Produced by Jay Sykes Ten Words for a Northern Landscape is commissioned Northern Heartlands and produced as part of Durham Book Festival, a Durham County Council event. The recording was made possible by funding and support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. Look out for Ten Words for a Northern Landscape on the New Writing North podcast and Durham Book Festival website. #10wordspodcast