This year’s Lakeland Book of the Year awards will be presented at a charity event at The Inn on the Lake, Glenridding.

Tickets are now on sale for the new, 39th Lakeland Book of the Year awards.

Authors, publishers and members of the public will attend on Tuesday July 11.

Revamped for 2023, there is a new category and a new judging panel overseeing this annual celebration of amateur and professional writing talent.

This year will feature a fresh face, Michael McGregor, Director of Wordsworth Grasmere will join Fiona Armstrong, to lead the judging panel after the retirement of Hunter Davies OBE.

Eric Robson, former Cumbria Tourism President  will resume his spot on the panel, and Rachel Laverack from Cumbria County Council will join as guest judge for the new children’s poetry competition.

In addition to the seven main categories, this year introduces a new category for school children in Cumbria, named 'The CGP Books Children's Poem of the Year'.

Its purpose is to inspire the young generation of authors in the region. The children have been asked to create a poem based around ‘preserving our environment for future generations’ with the winner being invited to read their poem at the charity event.

Michael Southorn, from CGP Books said: “We’re pleased to be sponsoring the new children’s category. As an educational publisher based in Cumbria, we understand the importance of recognising authors who write about the local area — especially those who help children develop a passion for reading and literature.”

Finalists will be drawn from around 60 entries across all seven main categories, with the overall winner receiving the ultimate accolade of Lakeland Book of the Year 2023.

New judge Michael McGregor said: “Like the Lakeland Book of the Year Awards, Wordsworth Grasmere is dedicated to celebrating great literature, past and present. So when I was offered the opportunity to be a judge for the 2023 Awards I jumped at the chance.”

The charity partner this year is PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide in the UK).

They provide confidential support and advice to young people who are struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, as well as to their families and friends.

Andy Airey from ‘3 Dads Walking’, and a representative from PAPYRUS will attend.

Find tickets at: www.lakelandbookoftheyear.co.uk.

For more information call Ben Melling at Cumbria Tourism on 01539 822 222.