This week's highlights at Durham Book Festival

The annual event, which began last Friday with the first of three exclusive Harry Potter screenings in Durham Cathedral, is running until Sunday and there’s still a host of events to look forward to.

Remaining highlights include broadcaster June Sarpong MBE who will be talking about her new book Diversify, a fierce and empowering guide to overcoming social division and prejudice, at Durham Town Hall on Sunday.

Meanwhile, ex SAS war hero and best-selling author Chris Ryan presents his newest non-fiction title Safe, a manual for protecting yourself in an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world, at Durham Gala Theatre on Saturday.

As part of the festival, tonight will see the announcement of the Gordon Burn Prize in Durham Town Hall.

Celebrating bold fiction and non-fiction, this year’s shortlist features books by Kapka Kassabova, David Keenan, Denise Mina, Lara Pawson, Gwendoline Riley and Adelle Stripe.

Hosted by Mark Lawson the event sees the six shortlisted writers read from their work, before the £5,000 prize is awarded to the winner.

Durham Book Festival is commissioned by Durham County Council and produced by New Writing North, with funding from Durham University and Arts Council England. Coun Ossie Johnson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for tourism, culture, leisure and rural issues, said: “Durham Book Festival is always a much-loved feature of the city’s cultural calendar, and we’re particularly thrilled to be offering our support once again.

“As well as being popular with residents and tourists alike, the festival brings big name authors to the county and shines a spotlight on up-and-coming talent.”

Claire Malcolm, chief executive of New Writing North said: “It’s a bumper year for Durham Book Festival, with an amazing line-up, more events and a bigger audience than ever before.”

•Tickets for Durham Book Festival can be booked online at www.durhambookfestival.com , at Gala Theatre and from Tel. 03000 266 600.