Durham Book Festival

Durham Book Festival is over for another year, and what a year it's been...

This year's festival highlights included David Miliband talking about international development and the UK’s foreign policy, Alistair Darling revealing the truth behind the credit crunch and reflecting on the current debt crisis; and Chris Mullin and Bob Marshall-Andrews, whose outspoken commentaries reflect on life in Blair’s government.

We also hosted a series of events at the Durham Light Infantry Museum to explore war and the lives of soldiers in both fact and fiction, with General Lord Richard Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff, and Sir Rodric Braithwaite, who talked about the unwinnable wars in Afghanistan.

Comedian Marcus Brigstocke reflected on issues of faith; and Jon Ronson questioned what it is to be normal. Meanwhile, QI writer John Mitchinson tested us on our general ignorance.

As Festival Laureate for 2011, poet Don Paterson was featured in a number of events. In a festival first, Don was commissioned to write a new anthem for Evensong at Durham Cathedral, which was performed by the choir on Friday 21 October for the first time. The Laureateship is supported by Durham University, one of the festival’s cultural partners.

We'd love to hear what you thought of the events you attended, as well as any suggestions for improvements or authors you'd love to see at Durham Book Festival. If you can spare a few minutes, please fill in our survey atwww.surveymonkey.com/s/Durhambookfestival2011

As ever, thank you for all your support and enthusiasm, and see you in 2012.

The Festival Team