The fourth Lennoxlove Book Festival, sponsored by McInroy & Wood, gets off to a tremendous start this weekend when two of the biggest names in books take to the stage on the opening Friday evening: Michael Morpurgo and J.K Rowling. 

Michael will be talking about his extraordinary life story to biographer Maggie Fergusson, whilst she will be talking to broadcaster and journalist Muriel Gray about her new novel for adults, The Casual Vacancy, currently the number one bestseller around the world and one of the most talked about books of the year.

J.K. Rowling’s event proved so popular that tickets sold out within half an hour of going on sale, and such was the demand that the event is to also be live-streamed into a marquee next door to be watched on a large screen, tickets for which are also sold out.  The Festival expects its biggest capacity audience so far that night – with some dedicated fans travelling from as far as North America to see the author.

There are however, throughout the weekend, plenty of other events to enjoy and authors to meet.  It’s a packed programme of wonderful writers, entertainers and thinkers - the best yet, with something for everyone from 0-9 years old.

As well as bestselling novelist Alexander McCall Smith returning to the Book Festival to talk about his latest book, and one of today’s finest poets Roger McGough, the programme includes appearances by political veterans Alistair Darling and Jack Straw, top food experts and business women Prue Leith and Clare Macdonald, leading historian Neil Oliver and master entertainer John Sessions.

With Armistice day coming up, World War II is a theme at the Book Festival this year, with no less than four military historians each telling fascinating accounts of some of the war’s most perilous operations and the individuals whose courage and ingenuity led to Allied victory. 
 
Events for kids run throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday too, including Sally Magnusson with her new children’s book Horace and The Haggis Hunter, Debi Gliori, Vivian French, Beast Quest and Steve Cole’s Astrosaurs.   East Lothian library service will again be running a series of popular workshops and sessions including rhymetime, storytime, a special Pirate craft session and a special picture book picnic as well as free circus skills sessions for all to enjoy too.

Lennoxlove Book Festival takes place in four venues within the house and grounds of beautiful Lennoxlove House in Haddington.  As well as the ticketed events, there is a well-stocked bookshop to browse in and a licensed Festival cafe bar supported for the first time by East Lothian Food and Drink offering snacks, light meals and beverages, using locally-sourced produce and suppliers.
 
The Festival’s free shuttle bus service from Haddington will run again this year throughout the weekend offering visitors a park and ride service from the Council car park in Neilson Park Road, as well as stops in Market Street and outside St Mary’s Church.

As well as lead sponsor McInroy & Wood, the Festival enjoys the support of East Lothian Council, EventScotland and Creative Scotland, as well as Queen Margaret University, chartered accountants Springfords and the National Library of Scotland.

Venu Dhupa, Director of Creative Development for Creative Scotland said:
“Supported through our Year of Creative Scotland Culture & Tourism programme the festival has grown in stature over the past three years, celebrating books, reading and the high artistic quality of Scotland’s authors.  Presenting a dynamic programme for both adults and families, this festival boasts appearances from some of the most successful writers in Scotland and abroad.  Another exciting event taking place in this Year of Creative Scotland. “

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said:
“In 2012, the Year of Creative Scotland it is hugely exciting to see another strong programme from the team at the Lennoxlove Book Festival. Scotland is the perfect stage for events, and the festival has really delivered an event that will appeal to all ages. Securing J.K. Rowling is a huge coup, and has helped to raise the international profile of the event, with interest coming from all over the world.”

Councillor John Mcmillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism at East Lothian
Council, said:
“The Lennoxlove Book Festival has flourished in such a short time that it can be difficult to believe that this is just its fourth year. Through adventurous and diverse programming the festival has quickly established itself as a ‘must see event’ which attracts increasing numbers of visitors to East Lothian.”

Lennoxlove Book Festival box office:  0844 357 7611  www.lennoxlovebookfestival.com
For further information please contact Rebecca Salt or Nicky Stonehill at StonehillSalt PR: Tel 01620 829 800 or during the festival 07970 783 213 or 07740 681 560
Email: Rebecca@stonehillsalt.co.uk or nicky@stonehillsalt.co.uk