THE biggest names in sports writing kick off an exciting new literary festival in Harrogate today, promising to bring a new look to the back pages.

Enthusiasts of all ages will be able to come face to face with the people who write the stories at this weekend’s Sporting Words festival – a three-day celebration of the very best in sports writing.

Sports reporting is a multi-million pound genre in its own right and the words used to describe a event have the ability to create something powerful, something memorable.

The pioneering and innovative festival at Harrogate’s Crown Hotel will explore the stories of how sport turned mailmen into medal winners, playing fields to Olympic arenas and teenagers into millionaires.

Highlights include a tribute to Brian Clough (Sat, 8pm) which includes rare television footage of the former Nottingham Forest manager and interviews with his biographer Duncan Hamilton.

There is also a live You Are The Ref panel with Premier League referee Keith Hackett (Sat, 6.30pm) and panel discussions considering hot topics such as the increasing influence of money in sport (Money Talks, Sport Walks, Sat 2pm), competitive parents (Come on my Son, Sun, 2.30pm) and the intense rivalry of the famous Dassler brothers who founded sportswear giants Puma and Adidas (Sneaker Wars, Sat, 12.30pm).

Harrogate International Festival chief executive William Culver-Dodds said: “With no competition anywhere in the world Carnegie Sporting Words is a truly unique event that allows people with a sports literature interest to get really involved with the professionals.

“The result is an unrivalled programme of high quality guest speakers, innovative events and hands on opportunities for fans to engage in their passions with those who do it for a living.”

The festival is part of the growing portfolio of the Harrogate International Festival and presented in association with Leeds Metropolitan University and BBC Sport.

Pre-festival activities got underway last night with a lavish black tie gala dinner, where Olympic champion Linford Christie was among sporting icons on hand to welcome back Yorkshire’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes from Beijing.

For Sporting Words tickets and day passes, phone 01423 562303 or visit www.sportingwords.com

ashley.marshall@ypn.co.uk