That was a real page-turner – Scarborough's Books by the Beach festival is a hit

A couple came from the Limoges area of France and others from Liverpool, London, Edinburgh and Brighton. Authors travelled from Bristol, Kent and the USA.

The festival had a variety of bestselling novelists appearing. including master storyteller Sir Alexander McCall Smith and Harriet Tyce, who appeared as a contestant on Celebrity Traitors.

There were many true life stories. Dominic Gregory told tales of life as a RNLI volunteer with sensitivity and Sally Coulthard unveiled the hidden wonders of twilight.

The life and work of Emily Brontë featured strongly with authors Deborah Lutz and Essie Fox and there was ‘crime afoot’ with authors Tim Sullivan and Tom Bradby.

“Tim Sullivan revealed himself as a comedian and had the audience in stitches,” said festival organiser Heather French.

“ITV News anchorman Tom Bradby’s event was fascinating as he recalled a mix of stories from the newsroom and life as a novelist and screenwriter.,” she said.

Award-winning food writer Felicity Cloake brought along a special guest to the stage – her dog Wilf, who stole the show. Felicity discussed her debut novel set in the restaurant world and while here sampled local fish and chips.

Historian Sinclair McKay shared his great knowledge of the Second World War through his new book about the real Dad’s Army, and Dr Ben Robinson – aka the Flying Archaeologist – stepped in last minute to share his great knowledge of Britain’s coastal heritage.

"Saturday night was a hoot with Mary Portas, ‘Queen of Shops’. Mary was funny, honest and entertaining as she shared her life and career in the 1990s through her memoir I Shop, Therefore I Am,” said Heather.

Alan Johnson was kept busy on Sunday when he talked about the pop and rock music which has influenced his varied life and career.

Alan then took the interview chair to discuss the centenary of the General Strike with author David Torrance. Alan also appeared in the festival finale when he shared stage with one of the most acclaimed classicist working today – Mary Beard.

“The Queen Street venue was full as the eager audience listened intently to Mary’s words – haring her thoughts on why the classics are still relevant today. It was a wonderful finale and a literary treat for Scarborough,” said Heather.

“It’s been a huge pleasure to bring all these famous names and faces to my adopted home town. The authors love to come to the coast and meet their readers.

"It was Mary Beard’s first trip to Scarborough and I’m delighted she saw it through the eyes of the festival. We had big audiences throughout the ‘long weekend’ and I thank everyone for their support.

"The festival doesn’t receive any public funding, it’s financed by ticket sales and is a leap of faith for me each year.

" Many regular attendees have become friends now and they love joining in the literary conversations. Our festival patron Helen Boaden is a great support and I have a wonderful team of volunteers who look after everyone so well.

"The people of the Queen Street church and the YMCA Theatre are amazing and crucial to the success of Books by the Beach.

“I’d like to thank everyone who bought tickets as without you there wouldn’t be a festival.”