You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
Crime writer Val McDermid, literary agent Jane Gregory and classical musician Julian Lloyd Webber have been appointed as the new vice-presidents of Harrogate International Festivals.
The three vice-presidents have formed close ties with the festivals and will continue to support the charity in their new honorary roles. “Together they will help raise our international profile even further as we continue to attract new audiences with our world class programme of cultural festivals, concerts and events," said Sharon Canavar, chief executive.
McDermid and Gregory played an instrumental role in the creation of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, which is now one of the biggest literary festivals of its kind.
Moreover, McDermid also helped establish the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival’s New Blood Panel for debut crime writers, which became a platform for launching new talent in the crime fiction world. She said: “I’ve been involved with Harrogate International Festivals for more than 20 years, and watching the Theakston’s Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival grow to become the leader in its field has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my career.
"I’m proud to continue that association and delighted to accept the invitation to become a vice-president of the festivals as we go from strength to strength.”
Retired literary agent Gregory, who represented McDermid, alongside numerous other crime novelists including Minette Walters and Mo Hayder, added: "I am so very pleased to have played a small part in creating this wonderful festival and now am delighted that I have been asked to continue to be involved as a vice-president—thank you Harrogate Festivals—this is a very real honour.”