An event celebrating the work of much-loved British spy novelist John le Carré, who had a home in Cornwall, is taking place next month. 

The inaugural John le Carré Memorial Lecture is coming to The Morrab Library at the Acorn Theatre in Penzance.

The lecture, planned for the evening of May 2, has proved so popular it has already sold out, but there are other events that all can take part in, including an exhibition of John le Carré memorabilia at Penlee House Gallery & Museum, between April 17 and May 6.

Esteemed novelist Mick Herron will feature as the guest speaker at the licture.

His Slow Horses / Slough House espionage novels, adapted into a V series starring Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas, have garnered him acclaim.

The lecture is titled Running Away with the Circus.

This event honours the universally admired author John le Carré, who living in St Buryan, Cornwall until his passing in 2020 at age 89.

Born David John Moore Cornwell, Mr Le Carré penned 26 novels - including The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Constant Gardener - as well as five non-fiction works.

Many of his creations have been transformed into renowned films and television series.

Mr Le Carré had a strong alliance with the Morrab Library since the 1970s.

He served as its president from 1997 to 2002 and, later, as a dedicated patron.

As described by Mr Le Carré, the library is "a Cornish treasure house, a meeting place for like-minded souls, and a vibrant forum for contemporary writing," with an emphasis on inspiring young readers.

Falmouth Packet: The event, planned for the evening of May 2, has already sold out

Associated inaugural lecture events take place alongside the main event.

These include an exhibition of John le Carré memorabilia at Penlee House Gallery & Museum, between April 17 and May 6, a writing workshop with students at Penwith College, and an intimate Conversation with Mick Herron and book signing session at the Edge of the World Bookshop in Penzance on May 3.

His family, namely his sons Nick and Simon Cornwell, are set to be present, with Nick expected to speak prior to the main lecture.

The distinctive Morrab Library is a notable part of Penzance's identity, being one of just 50 independent libraries in the UK.

It was established in 1818 and continues to thrive as a registered charity.

Sponsoring the lecture is The Arts Society West Cornwall, a chapter of the arts education charity, The Arts Society.