Largs Viking Festival is hosting new venture this year, entitled ‘Largs Viking Book Fest’, run in partnership with ‘Tidelines’.

The event will cater for all ages and for those who aspire to write a novel, or simply for those who enjoy a good read.

Established authors who have given talks at the Jorvik Festival in York approached the festival to see if a similar event could be held in Largs. The answer was a decided ‘yes’ and has resulted in ‘Meet the Author’ sessions which will be held in St Columba’s Episcopal Church Hall: 2pm to 4pm throughout Viking Festival week.

This will provide an opportunity to learn how writers conceive plots, characterisation and narrative. The subject matter, although Viking related, will be diverse.

Professor Stephen Harding’s interests lie in science and history, having written about ‘Viking DNA’ and ‘In Search of Vikings’, both of which he will be presenting at the Book Fest. Vincent Atherton, the full-time author of ‘Viking Voices’ is currently working on two new historic novels. David MacPhail, author of children’s books about ‘Thorfinn the Nicest Viking’ has two new books ‘Thorfinn and the Awful Invasion’ and ‘Thorfinn and the Gruesome Games’. Children will enjoy every moment. Margaret Elphinstone’s publications, characterised by people on journeys to places on the edge, include ‘The Gathering Night’, ‘The Sea Road’ and ‘Voyageurs’. Tim Hodkinson has written a series of novels set in Medieval Ireland and Scotland and is currently working on a novel based on the life of Einar, one of the Norse Earls of Orkney.

Unfortunately Rob Low’s presentation on Saturday 5th has been cancelled.

Payment of £2.50 for adults and £1.00 for children can be made at the door.

Tickets will also be available from 3rd August at Largs Library, 01475 673309; Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine, 01294 274059 or email harbourarts@north-ayrshire.gov.uk, and on-line at www.ticketweb.co.uk (booking fee applies) Lee Montgomery will provide workshops at St Columba’s Episcopal Church Hall: 10.30 am to 12.30 pm entitled ‘Come Scribble’. These will range from a Poetry workshop, to an Open Mike event ‘Shout- Out & Share’; a Creative Writing session, and lastly, a *Family Story Creation Fun day with set times 10.30 am-11.00 am: 11.15 am-11.45 am: 12.00 pm-12.30 pm Lee’s enthusiasm for creative writing will entertain and inspire and will be well worth attending. Admission by Donation. No need to pre-book Please note: the venue for Lee Montgomery’s Family Story Creation Fun day is TocH Hall, Bath Street, Largs. Another attraction for children will be the David MacPhail’s visit to the Marquee on the festival site on Sat 5th Sept between 2pm-4pm where he will talk to the children and sign his books. Admission free The marquee will also provide a venue for three local groups : Largs Writers, Greenock Writers and Magic Torch, on Saturday 29 August to Friday 4 September: 2 pm to 4 pm. They will be able to chat to visitors and encourage an interest in writing and their Clubs’ activities. Admission free This is an ideal opportunity to meet, and interact, with talented authors. Don’t miss out!