Changes announced for this year's Lakeland Book of the Year Awards
The Lakeland Book of the Year Awards are undergoing a major revamp this year.
Founded more than 40 years ago by Hunter Davies, journalist and author, the awards have celebrated both small press and self-published authors alongside national and international bestsellers.
Past winners have included Grace Dent, who grew up in Carlisle, Cumbria, Rory Stewart, James Rebanks and Sarah Hall.
This year's shortlist boasts names such as novelist David Nicholls, alongside talents from the area including Steve Uglow, Jill Clough, and Julie Carter.
The subjects range from poetry to paddle-boarding, a history of mountain-rescue in Cumbria, and a study of illegitimacy.
The awards ceremony will now feature an evening reception at the George Hotel in Penrith on Tuesday, July 8, at 7pm.
The event, which is open to the public, is set to include drinks and canapés for all the writers and their friends, with tickets priced at £10.
At the event, a book stall will be run by Book Ends, from Keswick and Carlisle.
The awards are currently being organised by judges Michael McGregor of Wordsworth Trust, Fiona Armstrong, ITV presenter, and Kathleen Jones, Cumbrian author.
Hunter Davies continues to sponsor the award through a trust fund, and there is a new honorary patron, Marie-Elsa Bragg.
Looking ahead, the organisers have announced plans for the coming year.
These include masterclasses for writers and a project for young writers in schools.
The organisers hope that these changes will help the Lakeland Book of the Year Awards become 'much more than just an award for writing books'.
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