Best-selling author Lee Childwill appear on stage at St Mary’s Church on the evening of Saturday 7 February in conversation with local debut author, Rachel Canwell. Lee will talk about his life and work before holding a book-signing session.

Lee is one of the town’s most famous ex-residents; he penned the first of his iconic Jack Reacher thriller series in his Kirkby Lonsdale home, overlooking the church tower. Reacher has since gone on to be a global publishing phenomenon, triggering a multi-billion-dollar media empire and captivating fans from all over the world.

“I wrote the first three Jack Reacher books in Kirkby Lonsdale, and they went on to become the foundation of what has turned into a $3bn global entertainment franchise,” said the author, speaking of his involvement in the festival. “Clearly, Kirkby Lonsdale was an inspiration for me, and it can be for you, too. Come to Illuminate 2026 and find out how!”