A hero in school staff rooms throughout the country, we are thrilled to welcome comedian, author, poet, broadcaster, educational guru and “born raconteur” (The Guardian), Gervase Phinn, to this year’s Bradford Literature Festival.

A man of many talents, best-known for his uproarious accounts of life as a school inspector, his autobiography tells of a life filled with happiness, poignant moments and precious memories. His latest novel, Secrets at the Little Village School, returns to the wildly popular Little Village School series and is packed full of humour, warmth and village drama.

In this event, Phinn joins chair, Peg Alexander, for a unique and personal insight into his extraordinary life and career. Covering everything from his childhood growing up in Yorkshire in the 1950s and his years as a teacher to being a bestselling author and appearing on some of Britain’s best-loved television programmes, come along and share in the compelling, funny, heart-warming tale of a Yorkshire lad with a sharp eye for detail and wicked ear for comedy.

About The Speaker

Gervase Phinn

Gervase Phinn – comedian, writer, broadcaster, educational guru, and after-dinner speaker – is perhaps best known for his warm-hearted novel about the life of a Yorkshire school inspector, and for his best-selling novels the Little Village School series. Gervase has written a wide range of academic books, short stories, children’s poetry and fiction.

About The Host

Peg Alexander

Peg Alexander is a double award-nominated TV and radio presenter, event host, speaker and occasional writer. She came to broadcasting after over 20 years in campaigning, public policy, charities and regeneration, with a short spell in national politics.