About

2021 brings a feast of personal stories from a life-saving paramedic to a lone hiker whose survival in the USA desert made international headlines. A high profile hostage negotiator shares tales of the Middle East and we release diaries from behind UK prison bars. The bicentenary of Anne Brontë’s birth is this year’s classic launch, set at St. Mary’s Church, below the
castle. Ancient Egypt offers up ‘Secrets from the Coffin’ and there’s eye watering yarns of Icelandic seas at the yacht club and lighthouse.

Fictional crime and suspense worlds are reflected through spy glasses and there’s an unmissable chiller dinner at the Crescent Hotel. There’s a new slant on Shakespeare’s most famous play and we look back at the ups and downs of the last decade. TV hit Grantchester comes to the SJT and a star shines brightly at the Spa.

From family drama to life changing health choices – there’s something for everyone at this year’s Books by the Beach. So get your tickets, sit back, relax and enjoy the experience.
HUGE THANKS to our fantastic authors, hosts, sponsors, partners, volunteers and you the audiences for your continued enthusiasm. You all help us make Scarborough a top festival destination.

My final thank you to our brilliant patron, former head of BBC Radio, Helen Boaden – for her assistance and support.