Literary Events - The United Kingdom and Channel Islands

Alderney Literary Festival

The Alderney Literary Trust promotes the enjoyment of literature on our lovely Channel Island of Alderney. Every year in the Spring, we hold The Alderney Literary Festival, a long weekend dedicated to exploring and enjoying history through books. ...

When: March

Where: Alderney

Guernsey Literary Festival

The festival attracts speakers from a wide range of disciplines, from literature to politics, from history to sport, from the environment to food, from biography to travel. We also organise a full education and community programme, together with workshops for local writers with renowned visiting aut...

When: April

Where: Guernsey

Jersey Festival of Words

Jersey Festival of Words is a nine-day literary event aiming to promote a love of the written and spoken word across the community and in a variety of styles and settings. Launched in 2015 the festival features events at Jersey Opera House, Jersey Arts Centre, and Jersey Library, as well as a v...

When: September

Where: St Helier, Jersey

Alton Arts Festival

Alton Arts Festival is a 10-day, multi-venue, multi-disciplinary arts festival in Alton, Hampshire. Live music. Visiting authors. Unique exhibitions. The Alton Arts Festival will bring a host of visiting artists to the town, as well as showcasing the talent that abounds within our community. We ...

When: July

Where: Alton, Hampshire

Appledore Book Festival

Appledore Book Festival is one of the largest cultural festivals in Devon, attracting world-class authors, speakers and performers....

When: September

Where: Appledore

Barnes Bookfest

Barnes BookFest brings writers of all genres to SW13 in London for a lively programme of talks and discussion. Authors join us to discuss their writing and share insights into their research and specialist subjects. Launched in September 2021, the festivals have been a great success with many sell-o...

When: September

Where: London

Barnes Children’s Literature Festival

The UK’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival. Held annually in Barnes, London, the festival features a packed program of more than 100 author events, performances and free activities for children and families....

When: June

Where: London

Barnsley Book Festival

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When: February

Where: Barnsley

Bath Children’s Literature Festival

The Bath Children’s Literature Festival is an annual book festival held in Bath, Somerset, England. It is aimed at children’s books and features a variety of authors, poets, illustrators, and storytellers. The festival typically lasts ten days, spanning two weekends. Over 100 of the hottest debu...

When: September

Where: Bath

Bay Tales Live

Noir at the Bar Bay event will be held on Friday night, Saturday features a full day of book festival filled with fantastic authors reading and talking about their craft, followed by an evening of fun on Saturday night. Sunday morning will feature a podcast special at Whitley Bay Library, with speci...

When: March

Where: Whitley Bay

Berwick Literary Festival

Berwick Literary Festival – The Friendly Festival in a Walled Town is a celebration of words, written spoken and performed which takes place in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland yearly in October. ...

When: October

Where: Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Bibury Literary Festival

Bibury Literary Festival (BibLit) is an annual event that brings authors and book lovers together into the heart of the English countryside. ...

When: April

Where: Bibury

Birmingham Literature Festival

The annual event is a project run by Writing West Midlands, the literature development agency for the region, and is an Arts Council England National Portfolio organisation. Taking place every year in October, the Birmingham Literature Festival is a leading festival in the Midlands, showcasing the v...

When: September

Where: Birmingham

Black British Book Festival

The Black British Book Festival is Europes largest. It was created to celebrate new and emerging Black British Authors across all genres. ...

When: March

Where: Manchester

Books by the Beach

An exciting in-person event with a fantastic programme of top authors visiting Scarborough. ...

When: June

Where: Scarborough

Boston Book Festival

Boston Book Festival was established in 2021 as a weekend event in September. It has now expanded to two weekend festivals a year: June, with a dedicated theme (History or Crime), and September, with a range of genres....

When: June

Where: Boston, Lincolnshire

Bournemouth Writing Festival

A weekend extravaganza of free and ticketed talks, walks, seminars, panels, performances and workshops for writers wanting to write....

When: April

Where: Dorset

Bradford Literature Festival

Bradford Literature Festival is regarded as one of the most inspiring festivals in the United Kingdom Every year, world-renowned authors, poets, singers, and artists come to our beautiful city to share their knowledge and passions with you, the audience. Over 300 events take place in historic ve...

When: June

Where: Bradford

Bridport Literary Festival

This vibrant annual festival brings a variety of authors to different venues in and around Bridport. Perfect for all book lovers, the festival has a wide literary range, from nationally acclaimed and prize-winning authors, to local gems who represent the creative community of West Dorset. Speakers i...

When: November

Where: Bridport

Brighton Book Festival

The Brighton Book Festival features more than 20 events celebrating the power of books within the community. The program includes activities for all ages, from children to adults, such as a family festival, workshops, and poetry nights....

When: June

Where: Brighton

Brontë Festival of Women’s Writing

The Brontë Festival of Women’s Writing is an annual event celebrating contemporary women writers and their contributions to literature. Hosted by the Brontë Society at the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, the festival features a variety of events including creative writing workshops, talks, ...

When: September

Where: Haworth

Bude Literary Festival

The festival features workshops and events for all the family in addition to visits from well-known authors. The festival also includes a school programme, that sees over 14 events with wonderful opportunities for the children to become immersed in the literary world, and meet some of their favourit...

When: May

Where: Bude

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival

The Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, set up in 2008, is now one of the leading cultural events in Devon and the South West. Set on the stunning Jurassic Coast, we run five days of events in September featuring some of the most exciting writers, thinkers, experts and opinion-formers, as well as ...

When: September

Where: East Devon

Burnham-On-Sea Book Festival

Expect talks, workshops and readings across several genres, including crime, historical, young adult, children’s, literary and non-fiction. Events will be held at The Princess Theatre and Burnham Library and will include local authors and well-known figures on the literary scene. The festival ...

When: September

Where: Somerset

Butser Book Festival

An incredible two days of entertainment and inspiration with bestselling writers! Join us for our inaugural book festival celebrating words, world building and the wilderness that inspires us. We will welcome in the autumn with talks covering a rangeof writing genres, live poetry readings and folk m...

When: October

Where: Waterlooville, Hampshire

Buxton Festival

Recognised nationally and internationally as one of the UK’s leading arts festivals, Buxton Festival is a summer celebration of the very best opera, music and literature at the heart of the beautiful Peak District.

The festival features the most promising up-and-coming, and also internationally ...

When: July

Where: Buxton, Derbyshire

Cambridge Literary Festival

Cambridge Literary Festival (CLF) began as Cambridge Wordfest in 2003, when we had our first annual Spring Festival. We began hosting Winter Festivals in 2008. Cambridge Literary Festival soon became a much-loved and regular highlight drawing large audiences from Cambridge and the rest of the UK. ...

When: April

Where: Cambridge

Capital Crime

Our fresh and innovative festival programme features leading crime and thriller creatives. Capital Crime welcomes some of the world’s favourite authors and filmmakers to London. We bring the best of everything crime and thriller to fans. ...

When: July

Where: London

Charleston Festival

Charleston Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious interdisciplinary festivals in the world with around 100 speakers and 40 events staged over 10 days. It celebrates the creativity, intellectual curiosity, radicalism and openness of the artists, writers and thinkers of the Bloomsbury grou...

When: May

Where: Firle, Lewes

Cheltenham Literature Festival

Cheltenham Literature Festival is the world’s first literature festival, leading the way in celebrating the written and spoken word, presenting the best new voices in fiction and poetry alongside literary greats and high-profile speakers, while inspiring over 9,000 school children with a love of b...

When: October

Where: Cheltenham

Chester Literature Festival

The Chester Literature Festival is a vibrant annual event held in Chester, UK, celebrating the written and spoken word. Organized by Storyhouse, the festival features a diverse lineup of best-selling authors, poets, performers, and broadcasters alongside engaging workshops, performances, lectures, a...

When: November

Where: Chester

Chiltern Kills

Chiltern Kills is a crime writing festival taking place in Gerrards Cross, south Bucks. Enjoy author-led karaoke as well as a play performed by crime writers. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Centrepoint charity benefitting homeless youth. ...

When: October

Where: Gerrards Cross

Chipping Campden Literature Festival

A much loved literature festival in the heart of the Cotswolds and only a 20 minute drive from The Old Post Office. Our programme covers fiction, poetry, and non-fiction including biography and memoir, and we have events on royalty, spying, fraud, history, politics, celebrity, journalism, nature, ru...

When: May

Where: Chipping Campden

Chiswick Book Festival

The Chiswick Book Festival brings together top authors and their readers for a week of history, poetry, biography, creative writing, fiction, thrillers, gardens, food, wine, politics and children’s books. The Festival is a non-profit-making community event, raising money for three reading-related ...

When: September

Where: London

Church Times Festival of Faith and Literature

A bi-annual literary festival with a theological slant, the Festival of Faith and Literature seeks to encourage a love of literature as it relates to faith, and to create a thoughtful and relaxing space in which to consider works of literature and their religious and moral themes. ...

When: February

Where: Oxfordshire

Cliveden Literary Festival

Established in 2017, the Festival has featured a stellar international cast of novelists, historians, screenwriters, film directors, actors, spies, generals and politicians. Hailed by Alain de Botton as ‘the most dignified and beautiful literature festival on the planet’ and described by Ian McE...

When: September

Where: Cliveden,

Crimefest

CRIMEFEST is a convention for people who like to read an occasional crime novel as well as for die-hard fanatics. Drawing top crime novelists, readers, editors, publishers and reviewers from around the world, it gives all delegates the opportunity to celebrate the genre in a friendly, informal and i...

When: May

Where: Bristol

Crossing the Tees Book Festival

Crossing the Tees Book Festival is an annual event that takes place in the Tees Valley region of England. The festival is organized by the library services of Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Darlington, and Redcar & Cleveland. The festival features a wide range of interactive literary events su...

When: June

Where: Teesside

Deepings Literary Festival

Deepings Literary Festival is a festival for everyone who enjoys words – the written word, the spoken word, the recited word and the sung word too. Over three days at the end of April, the Deepings will host a stellar cast of writers of both fiction and non-fiction, storytellers and folk singers. ...

When: May

Where: Deepings

Deptford Literature Festival

Celebrating the diversity and creativity of Deptford and Lewisham through words, stories and performance, the Festival features a host of talented writers, artists and organisations based in the area. It’s a literature festival with a difference, with the local community at its heart. Everyone is ...

When: March

Where: London

Dorchester Literary Festival

The Dorchester Literary Festival is an annual event that takes place over the course of a week in Dorchester, Dorset. The festival aims to provide entertainment and enlightenment to readers by inviting leading writers and thinkers to share their insights and latest works. The majority of talks are h...

When: October

Where: Dorset

Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival

The event takes place primarily in Dulverton Town Hall, with author talks thoughout the weekend. Other events – book readings, an informal ‘Introduction to Crime Writing’ discussion and a ‘Meet the Author’ session – will take place over the weekend in other venues in our charming Exmoor...

When: November

Where: Dulverton

Durham Book Festival

The North East’s biggest literary event. Author talks, readings, performances, new commissions and the announcement of the Gordon Burn Prize. ...

When: October

Where: Durham

Durham Children’s Book Festival

An inspiring and fun two-day family-friendly event in August, full of free book-themed activities for kids. Children can enjoy free workshops with authors and illustrators and a range of story and sensory-themed activities to inspire and entertain during the school summer holidays....

When: August

Where: Durham

Essex Book Festival

Each year the festival hosts 100+events in a range of venues across Essex. The Festival was established by Essex County Council in 1999 to celebrate the book in all its forms with the widest possible audiences. It has grown exponentially since then. Now recognised as one of the leading festivals of ...

When: June

Where: Essex

European Writers Festival

This is a unique opportunity to come together to enjoy some of the best European prose and poetry in English translation, and to ensure that the cultural networks and exchanges between Britain and Europe continue to thrive as we forge new paths and tackle the challenges of our times....

When: May

Where: London

Falmouth Book Festival

Falmouth Book Festival is more than just another book festival. We want to reach out into the local community: into primary and secondary schools, clubs and organisations, and to local businesses - in fact, to anyone who wants to get involved. There will be events with authors in conversation, prese...

When: October

Where: Falmouth

Farnham Literary Festival

Author talks, panel discussions and readings offer a relaxed opportunity to hear about new or popular works and to hear about writers’ motivations and interests, while at workshops you can develop your own writing skills and explore your creativity. There is also a competition for budding poets - ...

When: March

Where: Farnham

Felixstowe Book Festival

A community literary event celebrating Suffolk and bringing together renowned authors and readers. ...

When: June

Where: Felixstowe

Firsts London

Firsts London is one of the most popular and prestigious rare book fairs in the world, showcasing unique and unusual items from over 100 leading UK and international dealers. As the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association's premier annual fair, it attracts a diverse audience of collectors, de...

When: May

Where: London

Fishbourne Literary Festival

The day will include book signing, sales and a second-hand book fair, plus gifts and a promises tree and a prize draw. Lunch will be available in the church hall. Tea, coffee and cake will also be available throughout the day....

When: April

Where: Fishbourne, West Sussex

Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature

Taking place in various locations in Fowey, Cornwall’s premier literary festival features a diverse range of authors, speakers, musicians, and artists. Organised by the du Maurier Festival Society, it is staged in the beautiful riverside town of Fowey, which was home to Daphne du Maurier and S...

When: May

Where: Cornwall

Great Recitations Dickens Festival

Script Haven, an independent bookstore on the former site of the Swan Hotel, which once hosted Charles Dickens on his visit to Worcester, holds a one-day Dickens festival to celebrate its connection with the esteemed author and social critic, with readings, afternoon tea, and a Dickens themed lectur...

When: February

Where: Worcester

Guildford Book Festival

For over 34 years Guildford has hosted an annual Book Festival, with a mission to celebrate great writing and share a love of books with a wide and varied audience....

When: October

Where: Guildford

H&F Writers Festival

The Hammersmith & Fulham Writers’ Festival is an exciting literary event that brings together authors, writers, playwrights, publishers, and poets. Held annually, it features live talks, workshops, and activities for children. The festival covers a wide range of topics, including autobiographi...

When: July

Where: London

Henley Literary Festival

Henley Literary Festival is established as one of the UK’s biggest book festivals. The 2019 festival was our biggest yet with 170 events for adults and children. The line-up included former Prime Minister Theresa May, comedian Paul Merton, cookery legend Mary Berry, England’s greatest batsman Si...

When: October

Where: Henley-on-Thames

Hexham Book Festival

Hexham Book Festival is a Not For Profit CIC and delivers an annual festival that takes place in and around Hexham in April/May each year. It has grown significantly since its first Festival in 2006 into an important part of the regional arts calendar. ...

When: May

Where: Hexham

Heywood House Talks

Heywood House Talks Literary Festival will run over two days inside the historic Jacobean hall at Heywood House near Westbury. Each day offers a unique program, with Saturday focusing on contemporary issues and Sunday delving into historical and cultural discussions. ...

When: October

Where: Westbury

Huddersfield Literature Festival

Huddersfield Literature Festival (HLF) is an award-winning 10-day Festival held annually in March. A blended Festival of 50+ digital, outdoor and venue-based events held online and at accessible spaces in Huddersfield, HLF champions accessibility, diversity and under-represented groups....

When: April

Where: Huddersfield

Ilkley Literature Festival

Poets, politicians, actors and adventurers will head to Ilkley for its famed literary festival each autumn. Founded in 1973, it’s the North’s longest-running literary event, loved by writers, readers and publishers alike for its warm welcome and wide-ranging programming. ...

When: October

Where: Ilkley

Ilminster Literary Festival

Although Ilminster Literary Festival is small compared with some, it’s perfectly formed! That’s helped to make it a highlight of the town’s annual cultural calendar. Since it began in 2016, ILF has attracted enthusiastic support from the community and wide-ranging speakers from both liter...

When: May

Where: Ilminster, Somerset

International Agatha Christie Festival

Celebrate Agatha Christie in the place of her birth on the English Riviera. Step into the area’s outstanding literary and geological heritage. The Festival is a fantastic opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Agatha Christie both from a personal and literary perspective with events spanni...

When: September

Where: Devon

Isle of Wight Literary Festival

The island’s annual literary festival attracts many well known authors and speakers to the island to delight our audiences of residents and visitors. The programme committee also ensure that local writers are featured and cover a wide range of subjects. ...

When: October

Where: Cowes, IOW

Jewish Book Week

Jewish Book Week is a literary festival in London, held annually in February and March, that explores Jewish literature, ideas and culture. The festival was founded in 1952 and since 2012 it has been presented at Kings Place....

When: March

Where: London

Ledbury Poetry Festival

Ledbury Poetry Festival is an inclusive, international and inspirational celebration of poetry and spoken word over ten fabulously busy days, live in Ledbury and online to the world....

When: June

Where: Ledbury

Leiston Book Festival

The Leiston Book Festival brings together inspiring writers and enthusiastic readers, for a day of exploration, debate and discovery. With a focus on nonfiction, the festival seeks to feature books that explore our changing landscape and environment. ...

When: September

Where: Leiston Suffolk

Lichfield Literary Festival

The Lichfileld Literary Festival is an annual celebration of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and more. Held in March, Lichfield Literature Festival sees writers of all styles and genres convene in the ‘creative county’ for a series of talks, workshops and other literature-related events....

When: March

Where: Lichfield

Lincoln Book Ffestival

Lincoln Book Festival is committed to honouring the rich heritage of the city of Lincoln by delivering a literary festival with history at its heart that appeals to audiences of all ages. Each year the festival aims to offer a varied and interesting programme with a core of history writing and histo...

When: September

Where: Lincoln

Liverpool Literary Festival

The Liverpool Literary Festival is set to be an exhilarating weekend of discussions, readings and debates reflecting the insatiable curiosity of both the city and University of Liverpool. The Festival offers you the opportunity to enjoy readings by internationally celebrated writers, explore signifi...

When: October

Where: Liverpool

London Book Fair

The London Book Fair is the global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels....

When: March

Where: London

London Christmas Book Fair

The marvellous PBFA Christmas Book Fair is a must for book lovers, collectors, and gift buyers alike! Thousands of second-hand books, rare manuscripts, vintage prints and posters, original artworks, and ephemera will be on offer from some of the best independent sellers across the country....

When: December

Where: London

London Literature Festival

The London Literature Festival is an annual event that has been showcasing the best in contemporary literature for over a decade. Taking place at the Southbank Centre in London, the festival attracts both well-known and emerging authors from around the world, as well as a diverse audience of literat...

When: October

Where: London

Louder than Words Festival

A literary festival celebrating the best in music publishing and published words in music. As well as hearing stories from these incredible personalities, the Festival also offers a unique chance to get up close to people often only seen on the stage; in a much more social, conducive atmosphere....

When: November

Where: Manchester

Loughborough University Literary Festival

A student-led festival open to the public and the Loughborough University community with events taking place on campus and in Loughborough town centre. ...

When: May

Where: Loughborough

Manchester Literature Festival

Manchester Literature Festival is one of the North’s most exciting Literature Festivals. Over the last 16 years, it has distinguished itself as a Festival that provides unique and imaginative opportunities for audiences to experience high quality live literature, poetry and spoken word. ...

When: October

Where: Manchester

Marlborough Literature Festival

We celebrate the best of writing and literature during our annual festival held in the beautiful market town of Marlborough.

Over the years we’ve had terrific authors such as Lionel Shriver, Howard Jacobson, Alexander McCall Smith, Fay Weldon and Michael Morpurgo. However its not all about cel...

When: September

Where: Marlborough

Milton Keynes Literary Festival

A fabulous festival of books, words, writers and ideas that celebrates everything literary, bookish or wordy. MK Lit Fest continues to build both its face-to face and online, upholding our real reputation for quality across many literary strands (including both fiction and non-fiction, poetry, ...

When: April

Where: Milton Keynes

Morpeth Book Festival

The Morpeth Book Festival is an annual literary event held in Morpeth, Northumberland, bringing together authors, readers, and literature enthusiasts for a Weekend of Words. The festival features a diverse lineup of authors, engaging book readings, signings, and interactive sessions, all set within ...

When: March

Where: Morpeth

Newark Book Festival

Newark Book Festival (previously Books in the Castle) is a literature festival that features and celebrates a range of authors and book events from crime to history and plenty for children and families too....

When: July

Where: Newark, Nottinghamshire

Noirwich Crime Writing Festival

Noirwich is about the reading and the writing of crime fiction. We explore how the genre works and where it is going, thanks to our unique connection with the University of East Anglia’s creative writing department. Our crime writing workshops provide attendees with the opportunity to enhance thei...

When: September

Where: Norwich

North Cornwall Book Festival

North Cornwall Book Festival brings together readers and writers (and a few choice musicians) for a half term holiday of literature, narrative, craft, workshops and concerts in a site of outstanding beauty between the holiday resort of Polzeath and the fishing community of Port Isaac....

When: September

Where: Cornwall

Norwich Book Festival

Presented by The Forum, with key partners from across the county, Norwich Book Festival honours the city's literary heritage, and contemporary love for literature. With author talks, readings, book signings, interactive events, and free activities taking place in The Forum's Atrium, there...

When: October

Where: Norwich

Orwell Festival of Political Writing

The Orwell Festival will be a space for complex debate and diversity of opinion and viewpoints, encourage creativity and clarity of expression, provide a platform for unheard voices, and defend the right to individual conscience, whilst remaining politically impartial.
There will be debates...

When: June

Where: Bloomsbury & Online

Oxford Literary Festival

Oxford Literary Festival is a world-class literary event that brings together leading authors and public figures in a magnificent setting in the central university area of Oxford city each year.

The festival events mostly take place around two vibrant hubs in Oxford City Centre, namely the Blackwe...

When: March

Where: Oxford

Penzance Literary Festival

Known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community, the Penzance LitFest celebrates words in all their many forms, and welcomes contributions that will inspire, entertain and inform our enthusiastic audiences. Over four exciting days, we are bringing an eclectic selection of authors, wr...

When: July

Where: Cornwall

Petworth Literary Festival

The Petworth Literary Festival is an annual event in Petworth, West Sussex, celebrating literature and bringing together authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts. The festival offers diverse events, from enlightening conversations and discussions to book signings and readings, covering various lit...

When: July

Where: Petworth

Play on Words Festival

The Play on Words Festival, formerly known as the English Riviera Literature Festival, offers a packed programme of literary-themed events, creative activities for children and adults, fascinating author talks and readings as well as a chance to meet published and aspiring writers....

When: April

Where: Devon

Queen's Reading room Festival

Set in the stunning surrounds of Hampton Court Palace, The Queen’s Reading Room Festival will be a literary event like no other. Visitors can explore the Palace on literary themed tours and tread the floors where Shakespeare once performed with his King’s Men; wander the sumptuous gardens bursti...

When: June

Where: Surrey

Queen’s Park Book Festival

Queen’s Park is a hidden, family-friendly gem in North West London centred on a 30 acre park surrounded by beautiful Victorian homes. We are the only London book festival to be held solely in a public park and the area boasts a wonderful literary history as a home to authors, artists, poets and ac...

When: August

Where: London

Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival

The Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival, picked by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the UK’s Best Literary Festivals, has become the hot ticket on the national Festival circuit thanks to its stellar line up of literary names in a beautifully intimate setting. ...

When: October

Where: North Yorkshire

Reading is Magic Festival

The Reading is Magic Festival is a digital event that offers five days of free, inclusive, and engaging activities for schools and families. It features leading authors and illustrators from around the world. The festival is inspired by Cressida Cowell’s Waterstones Children’s Laureate C...

When: October

Where: Bath

Richmond Walking and Books Festival

The Richmond Walking and Book Festival is an annual event that takes place in Richmond, a town in North Yorkshire, England. It offers a unique blend of daytime walks and evening talks to inspire and invigorate attendees. The festival features a wide range of graded walks, from ambitious climbs to hi...

When: September

Where: Richmond

Romance Author & Reader Event

Meet a mix of traditional and self-published authors of romance fiction. Designed to connect readers and writers, RARE holds multiple events each year in cities around the world....

When: July

Where: London

Rye Arts Festival

Rye’s principal annual arts event, taking place over the weekends and last two weeks in September. It has developed over the past 50 years into one of the most successful and respected small festivals of its kind, dedicated to high quality performances in music, literature, theatre and other art f...

When: September

Where: Rye, East Sussex

Sevenoaks Literary Festival

Founded in 2001 the Sevenoaks Literary Festival aims to create engaging events for and in the heart of our community. With an eclectic mix of styles, forms and events, the volunteers who run the festival seek out the brightest minds and most interesting voices to delight, enthral and inspire y...

When: September

Where: Sevenoaks

Sherborne Travel Writing Festival

Ten of the UK’s finest travel writers are coming to Sherborne to transport readers, listeners, armchair and intrepid travellers alike towards the four corners of the globe. ...

When: April

Where: Sherborne

Slaughter in Southwold

A weekend of talking with best-selling crime novelists is organised by Southwold Library with support from the Friends of Southwold Library and the Crime Writers' Association....

When: June

Where: Southwold

Smithdown LitFest

The Smithdown Litfest has author talks and readings for all ages, in community venues along the Smithdown Road corridor ? from Toxteth to Allerton. The aim of the Litfest is to present a programme of stimulating and enjoyable author events for local residents, and to encourage visitors from Liverpoo...

When: September

Where: Liverpool

South Hams Literary Festival

There will be author talks and readings, performances, poetry, comedy, workshops for aspiring writers, free children’s activities, a book and craft fair, and much more. Entry to ticketed events will be at a low cost, with children’s activities being free....

When: August

Where: Ivybridge

South Warwickshire Literary Festival

The South Warwickshire Literary Festival is a delightful event that celebrates literature, authors, and creativity. The festival features inspiring author talks, workshops, and book sales. You can attend talks in the fabulous Regency Room and participate in author-led workshops. This is a paid, tic...

When: September

Where: Royal Leamington Spa

St. Andrew's Book Festival

The St Andrew’s Book Festival, organized by Scots in London, features an exciting and ambitious program that appeals to a wide audience. With a lineup that includes well-known authors, debut writers, and spoken word artists, you’re sure to discover something interesting during this week-long cel...

When: November

Where: London

St. Andrews Literature Festival

Hosted across multiple church venues and the St Andrews Bookshop, this festival celebrates Christian literature, showcasing much-loved Christian authors. Each author takes the stage for one hour to engage in thought-provoking conversations with the hosts, delving into the themes of their books. ...

When: June

Where: Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Stoke Newington Literary Festival

The Stoke Newington Literary Festival is an annual event held in Stoke Newington, London. Now in its tenth year, this eclectic and inspiring festival celebrates the area’s radical thinking and literary heritage. It features a diverse lineup of workshops, talks, and outdoor events, all set up to sh...

When: June

Where: London

Stratford Literary Festival

Since 2008 we’ve been bringing you an exciting mixture of debate, ideas, celebrity author events, workshops and humour in spring and winter. We’re also a charity promoting the benefits of reading and writing on education, literacy and well-being in schools, the community and prisons. The Fe...

When: May

Where: Stratford-upon-Avon

Stroud Book Festival

Stroud Book Festival celebrates all things books. Headed up by a team of local authors, literary and cultural professionals, and with Ian McEwan as patron, the festival presents a creative programme of high-quality, entertaining and thought-provoking events to engage this vibrant local community. St...

When: November

Where: Stroud

Surrey New Writers Festival

Surrey New Writers Festival is the annual celebration of contemporary writing targeted at Guildford’s vibrant community of readers and writers, as well as the undergraduate and postgraduate students from our creative writing programmes....

When: May

Where: Surrey

Sutton Literary Festival

The festival celebrates the creativity of Sutton and its green spaces. Our ethos is inclusivity and all tickets are FREE. The festival features a wonderful line-up of award-winning and debut writers, including local writers. ...

When: October

Where: Carshalton

Swindon Festival of Literature

Swindon Festival of Literature is an annual literature festival held in Swindon, Wiltshire, England since 1994....

When: May

Where: Swindon

Thame Arts and Literature Festival

The Thame Arts and Literature Festival is an inclusive, community-driven arts and literature festival that takes place in the picturesque market town of Thame. Events will include Author Talks, Music, Literature, Plays, Readings, Debates and much more, plus several special events for younger readers...

When: October

Where: Thame

The Coast is Queer

Bringing together writers, performers, academics, activists and readers for a weekend of events, workshops, panel discussions and performances to celebrate queer lives and writing. ...

When: October

Where: Brighton and Hove

Theakston Old Peculier Crime writing Festival

The world class, award winning Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, now in its 15th year, celebrates the very best in crime fiction at the magnificent Old Swan Hotel each July. The Festival is a firm date in the literary calendar and has achieved international acclaim for the programming, ...

When: July

Where: Harrogate

Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival

This packed programme of events will bring together some of the nation’s favourite writers, whilst also showcasing exciting new voices and some of the best in children’s literature. ...

When: May

Where: Tunbridge Wells

Wantage Literary Festival

The Wantage Literary Festival is an annual event that celebrates literature, poetry, comedy, history, science, and the arts in and around Wantage, Oxfordshire, UK. The festival is dedicated to promoting the written and spoken word in all its forms and is held during the October school holiday. The f...

When: October

Where: Wantage

Wealden Literary Festival

The Wealden Literary Festival is a unique cultural event that takes place every summer in the United Kingdom. It was launched in 2015 as a way to celebrate the natural world and our own creative potential. The festival attracts acclaimed authors, poets, artists, and makers who have taken inspiration...

When: June

Where: Ashford

Wells Festival of Literature

The Wells Festival aims to promote the enjoyment and excitement of books and to encourage a love of the written word by bringing to Wells a wide range of international, national and local writers to entertain, challenge, inspire and inform audiences of all ages and tastes. This extensive selection o...

When: October

Where: Wells, Somerset

Wimbledon Bookfest

Wimbledon BookFest is a not-for-profit charity that promotes arts, culture, and education in London. It was founded in 2006 by Fiona Razvi and Tony Kane with the aim of developing arts and culture across the community. The festival is held annually in early October in a ‘pop-up’ festival site on...

When: October

Where: West Wimbledon

Wiveliscombe Literary Festival

The Wivey Lit Fest is a wonderfully eclectic mix of events and workshops delivered by a mix of those who are Somerset-based and those from further afield, those in the early stages of building a career and those who are already best-sellers....

When: September

Where: Wiveliscombe, Somerset

Wolverhampton Literature Festival

Wolverhampton Literature Festival is an annual event held on the first weekend of February, hosted by the City of Wolverhampton Council with funding support from Arts Council England. The festival aims to amplify and celebrate the voices of authors, poets, writers, storytellers, and publishers from...

When: January

Where: Wolverhampton

WORDS The Marlow Literary Festival

The Marlow Writer's Society hosts a Literary Festival to celebrate the spoken word. There will be a range of presenters and performances, including published authors, drama groups, choirs, and musicians. The event will run all day and into the evening. ...

When: July

Where: Marlow

WOWFest

Throughout the entire month of May, our annual literature festival, WoWFEST, offers a programme of local, national and international writers, performers, commentators and artists. ...

When: May

Where: Liverpool

Wymondham Words

Wymondham Words is an annual literary festival held in Wymondham, Norfolk, UK. Established in 2010, it has grown to include a variety of events, such as readings, workshops, performances, and discussions featuring well-known authors and poets. The festival is organized in collaboration with Kett’s...

When: November

Where: Wymondham

Yeovil Literary Festival

The Yeovil Literary Festival presents an exciting programme of literature, comedy and arts events from well-known literary figures, comedians, celebrities and exciting new writers. The festival is a not-for-profit partnership between Somerset Council’s Westlands Entertainment Venue, Library Servic...

When: October

Where: Yeovil

York National Book Fair

The York National Bookfair has become an eagerly anticipated fixture in the city’s cultural calendar attracting visitors and sellers from across the UK and beyond. This year’s event is set to impress once again, with a showcase of books, maps, ephemera and prints from an international collection...

When: September

Where: York

Gibraltar Literary Festival

The Gibraltar Literary festival aims to bring together world class writers and speakers for four days of public events, staged in the famous Regency Garrison Library and other historic buildings within the walled and ancient City of Gibraltar. Located where the continents of Africa and Europe c...

When: November

Where: Gibraltar

Belfast Book Festival

The Belfast Book Festival is Northern Ireland’s leading literary festival and since its inception in 2010, has grown from strength to strength. Now in its 12th year, the annual June event is a unique, diverse and highly creative mix of events as we celebrate bestselling authors and award-winning p...

When: June

Where: Belfast

Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival

The Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival is the flagship event in our Cultural Programme and is held on the third weekend in October. Established in 2016, this innovative dynamic festival celebrates our area’s unique links with Jane Austen and Brendan Behan whilst promoting the best in ...

When: October

Where: Letterkenney

Omagh Literary Festival

The Omagh Literary Festival celebrates the work of Benedict Kiely and other contemporary Irish writers. The yearly festival includes lectures, readings, performances and other events celebrating the literary arts. ...

When: October

Where: Omagh

A Blether O Books Festival

Join us at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum as we welcome a selection of authors in this celebration of Scottish literature....

When: October

Where: Alloway

Bloody Scotland

Priding ourselves as the literary festival where you can let down your hair and enjoy a drink at the bar with your favourite crime writer, we strive to put on entertaining as well as informative events during a weekend in September, covering a range of criminal subjects from fictional forensics, psy...

When: September

Where: Edinburgh

Borders Book Festival

The Borders Book Festival has established itself as a key national literary and arts event. From an audience of just 400 in 2004, it now draws some 34,000 visitors to the magical Harmony Garden and its orchard in Melrose each year. Tranquil herbaceous borders, apple trees and greenhouses are sudd...

When: June

Where: Melrose

Boswell Book Festival

The world’s only book festival dedicated to biography and memoir. Normally held at the magnificent Dumfries House, the Festival has become one of the most prestigious cultural events in Scotland and has attracted a host of writers and personalities such as Judi Dench, John Byrne, Ben Macintyre, M...

When: May

Where: Ayrshire

Colonsay Book Festival

The Colonsay Book Festival is one of the smallest and most remote literary events in the UK, held on the beautiful island of Colonsay in glorious springtime. ...

When: April

Where: Colonsay

Cove and Kilcreggan Book Festival

Traditionally held at the Cove Burgh Hall, the festival brings renowned authors to a local audience, and usually runs over a weekend in November. ...

When: November

Where: Helensburgh

Cromarty Crime & Thrillers Weekend

Join us in the picturesque coastal village of Cromarty for talks, book signings, Q&A sessions, writing workshops, movie night and a spectacular Gala Night entertainment all organised by the Cromarty Arts Trust. ...

When: May

Where: Cromarty, Ross-shire

Cymera Festival

Cymera is Scotland’s festival of science fiction, fantasy, and horror writing....

When: June

Where: Edinburgh

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Edinburgh International Book Festival is a distinctive international showcase celebrating the written word, literature and ideas. It brings leading and emerging international, British and Scottish authors and thinkers together to inspire each other and audiences in an extensive programme of public e...

When: August

Where: Edinburgh

Granite Noir

Granite Noir is inspired by the incredible popularity of crime fiction in all its forms, by the fantastic contribution that Scottish writers make, by our love affair with Nordic Noir, on the page and on screen, and most of all inspired by Aberdeen, which is the perfect backdrop for the festival – ...

When: February

Where: Aberdeen

Islay Book Festival

The Islay Book Festival is a vibrant, community-led event held annually on the picturesque Isle of Islay, Scotland. Founded in 2006, it has grown from a small book club in Port Ellen into a thriving festival that celebrates literature with a diverse array of events, in...

When: August

Where: Isle of Islay

Ness Book Fest

Inverness-based book festival that features emerging voices as well as big names in a free programme of events. ...

When: October

Where: Inverness

Paisley Book Festival

The Paisley Book Festival has creativity and innovation at the heart of its programming, showcasing some of the best and most diverse voices being published today in Scotland and beyond. ...

When: April

Where: Paisley

Portobello Book Festival

The Portobello Book Festival, initiated by a group of local book enthusiasts, takes place annually on the first full weekend of October and is rooted in the principle of being entirely free, with no paid participants. This community-driven event benefits from a strong partnership with the local libr...

When: October

Where: Edinburgh

StAnza Poetry Festival

StAnza is Scotland’s annual international poetry festival, bringing poetry in all its forms and many languages to Scottish audiences and worldwide. Since the festival was founded by three local poets in 1998, StAnza has gained a truly international reputation. In 2021 our achievements were recogni...

When: March

Where: St Andrews

Tidelines Book Festival

Tidelines Book Festival aims to cater for all age groups and many different interests, including fiction and non-fiction. In parallel with the festival we run a dedicated schools programme, bringing authors and their books to children and young people. We are the only independent Book Festival in No...

When: September

Where: Irvine, Ayreshire

Wigtown Book Festival

Each autumn, the Wigtown Book Festival welcomes a whole host of visitors over the course of its 10 day book festival. Since the first Wigtown Book Festival in 1999, we have expanded to become an energetic arts organisation working through the year to deliver a programme of literature development act...

When: September

Where: Wigtown

Winter Words

A true celebration of Scotland's finest fiction and nonfiction writers. We will investigate our relationship to Scotland's beautiful landscape and important heritage through various talks alongside drama and dramatic writing. ...

When: February

Where: Pitlochry

Abergavenny Writing Festival

Readings, talks, workshops, and writing activities for all at the Abergavenny Writing Festival. The aim of the event is to get people together to find inspiration, have fun and get writing. There’s always an eclectic line-up of local talent including poets, songwriters, journalists, storytellers, ...

When: April

Where: Abergavenny

Alibis in the Archive

An annual celebration of all things crime hosted in the Gladstone’s Library in North Wales! Hosted in collaboration with the Crime Writers Association and featuring some of the best crime writers in the business, Alibis in the Archive is your chance to spend a weekend considering the best crime wr...

When: June

Where: Hawarden

Gladfest

Gladfest is Gladstone Library’s flagship festival. Billed as the friendliest festival on the UK literary scene, it is a different kind of event: there are no green rooms, no VIP tickets and there is no exclusivity. We aim to keep our prices affordable for anybody who wants to come, and we welc...

When: September

Where: Hawarden

Hay Festival

The Hay Festival, founded in 1988, offers a fortnight of live and online conversations, debates and performances, and an inspiring, free Programme for Schools. ...

When: November

Where: Hay-on-Wye, Powys

Llandeilo Lit Fest

Literature Festival in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, held every last weekend in April since 2017....

When: April

Where: Llandeilo

Montgomeryshire Literary Festival

The Montgomeryshire Literary Festival celebrates writing in Wales and the Welsh borders, with an annual festival circulating through key locations in Montgomeryshire....

When: June

Where: Montgomery, Powys

Newport Festival of Words

A celebration of words in all their forms from song writing to storytelling, poetry to novels in a programme of events in Newport City centre venues. Featuring local, national and internationally known writers and performers....

When: March

Where: Newport

Penarth Literary Festival

Penarth Literature Festival. Penarth Literature Festival (formerly Penarth Book Festival) was established in 2012 and brings writers and authors to Penarth for a packed programme of author events, workshops, and lots of other bookish fun for all ages and interests. ...

When: June

Where: Penarth

Wrexham Carnival of Words

A week-long annual event with a mixture of Thriller, Horror, Historical, Romance and more, the Wrexham Carnival of Words has become a fixture in the literary calendar in Wales and the borderlands attracting a diverse range of well-known authors. ...

When: April

Where: Wrexham