Highlights include author sessions with esteemed writers such as Frances Brody (Saturday 18 June), John Nicholson (Wednesday 22 June) and Jenny Colgan (Thursday 23 June).
In addition bookworms can get involved in a ‘Lipstick Library’ girls-only event (Friday 24 June), creative writing sessions, poetry workshops and a Roald Dahl themed big family fun day (Saturday 25 June).
There’s also a special self-publishing workshop being held at Stockton Central Library on Saturday 25 June from 2pm to 3pm at a cost of just £2. Aspiring writers can learn how to put together a campaign to get started in the world of self-publishing using traditional and social media under the guidance of Diane Hinds, a freelance PR specialist with over 20 years of experience in the field.
The festival got under way on Friday (10 June) and runs through until Saturday 25 June.
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “Crossing the Tees festival is entering its third year and we’ve witnessed its popularity growing year on year as the events on offer continue to be warmly received and enjoyed by all who attend.
“Inspiring a love of books and reading is so important and the festival is a wonderful way of helping people of all ages, especially the younger ones, to embrace a new pastime and enjoy the new worlds that can be evoked through the written and spoken word.”
Taking place alongside the literary events is a special film festival, running at ARC in Stockton, on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 June.
Showcasing critically acclaimed films such as Fantastic Mr Fox, Room and Goodfellas in their unique cinema space – there’s also special additional offers including pre-film meal deals in the No 60 café bar (Goodfellas), colouring in sessions (Fantastic Mr Fox) and a post-film discussion (Room).
For full information on listings, ticket prices and how to book from a full list of events covering Stockton and across the Tees Valley, visit www.crossingthetees.org or call 01642 525199.