Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival
87 Crane Street,
Salisbury,
Wilts. SP1 2PU
(01722) 332241
May-June
A thriving, annual multi-arts festival that includes strong music and literature programmes.
Adleburgh Poetry Festival
The Poetry Trust,
9 New Cut,
Halesworth,
Suffolk IP19 8BY
(01986) 835950
First weekend of November
Takes place in 6-8 November 2015 across venues in Adleborough and at Snape Maltings. Annual festival of contemporary poetry with readings, workshops, talks, discussions, public masterclasses and children’s events. Founded 1989.
Appledore Book Festival
Brenda Daly, Festival Office,
Docton Court Gallery, 2 Myrtle Street,
Appledore,
Bideford,
Devon EX39 1PH
info@appledorebookfestival.co.uk
www.appledorebookfestival.co.uk
26 September- 4 October
The only festival in the UK dedicated to writing about Asia and Asians. It covers Asia in the broadest context, from the Persian Gulf in the west to Indonesia in the east.
Asia House Festival of Asian Literature
Asia House,
63 New Cavendish Street,
London W1G 7LP
020-7307 5454
May
An Annual celebration of contemporary Irish writing with novelists, poets and playwrights. Includes readings, discussion, workshops, comedy, music and an Aspects showcase day for young writers.
Aspects Irish Literature Festival
Autumn International Literary Festival
University of East Anglia,
Norwich NR4 7TJ
(01603) 456161
Late September-Early December
An annual festival of events bringing established writers of fiction, biography and poetry to a public audience in the Eastern region
Ballymena Creative Citizen Programme
The Braid Ballymena Town Hall,
Museum & Arts Centre,
1-29 Bridge Street,
Ballymena,
Co. Antrim BT43 5EJ
028-2563-5900
braid.enquires@ballymena.gov.uk
March-May
Bath Literature Festival
Bath Festivals,
Abbey Chambers,
Kingston Buildings,
Bath BA1 1NT
(01225) 462231 Box Office (01225) 463 362
www.bathfestivals.org.uk/literature
February/March
An annual festival with leading guest writers. Includes readings, debates, discussions and workshops, and events for children and young people.
Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s
Queen’s University,
Lanyon North,
University Road,
Belfast BT7 1NN
028-9097 1034
October/November
Ireland’s leading contemporary international arts festival. Includes literature events.
Beverly Literature Festival
Wordquake, Council Offices,
Skirlaugh,
East Riding of Yorkshire HU11 5HN
(01482) 392745
bevlitfestival@eastriding.gov.uk
1-10 October 2015
Beverly Literature Festival is one of the UK’s leading literature festivals. The festival includes authors’ events, readings, panel events, workshops, children’s activities, performances and readings.
Birmingham Literature Festival
Unit 204,
Custard Factory,
Gibb Street,
Birmingham B9 4AA
0121 246 2770
www.birminghamliteraturefestival.org
8-17 October 2015
Promoting excellent writing, with events ranging from the local to the international, the Festival reflects the diversity of the city, a place made beautiful by its patchwork of industry, culture, art, history and commerce. Events include in conversations, book readings, book launches, performances, poetry slams, quizzes, writing workshops, reading days/afternoons and much more. A project of Writing West Midlands.
Bread and Roses
c/o Five Leaves Bookshop,
14a Long Row,
Nottingham NG1 2DH
http://www.fiveleavesbookshop.co.uk November
An annual weekend of radical politics, music and literature held at various venues in Nottingham. The initial weekend in 2014 features Owen Jones, Ian Sinclair and Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green Party. The only book festival supported by trade union.
Borderlines Carlisle Book Festival
September, authors’ events and writers’ workshops.
Carlisle Library
11 Globe Lane, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 8NX
01228 227321
www.cumbria.gov.uk
Bridlington Poetry Festival
Wordquake, Council Offices,
Skirlaugh,
East Riding of Yorkshire HU11 5HN
(01482) 392745
brid.poetryfest@eastriding.go.uk
www.bridlington-poetry-festival.com
June
One of the UK’s leading poetry festivals held in the beautiful coastal surroundings of Sewerby Hall and Gardens. A residential poetry school runs alongside the festival. Founded 2010.
Brighton Festival
29 New Road, Brighton BN1 1UG
(01273) 700747
May
An annual arts festival with an extensive national and international programme featuring theatre, dance, music, opera, literature, outdoor and family events.
Bristol Poetry Festival and Bristol Spring Poetry Festival
Poetry Can,
12 Great George Street,
Bristol BS1 5RH
0117 933 0900
April-May and September
A celebration of language, imagination and life. Features award-winning poets and performers from all over the UK and abroad. Venues include Arnolfini and various Bristol locations.
Buxton Festival
3 The Square,
Buxton,
Derbyshire SK17 6AZ
(01298) 70395
July
The incredible opera and music programme is complemented by a much envied Literary series, featuring distinguished authors, which takes place every morning and afternoon.
Caterbury Festival
8 Orange Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2JA
(01227) 452853
17-31 October 2015
An annual international arts festival with 200 events in two weeks.
Charleston Festival
The Charlston Trust,
Charleston,
Firle, Lewes,
East Sussex BN8 6LL
10 days at the end of May
Charleston, country home of Bloomsbury artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell, hosts of an annual literary festival involves writers, performers, politicians and thinkers- both high profile and up and coming, national and international.
The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival
109-111 Bath Road,
Cheltenham,
Glos. GL53 7LS
01242 511 211
2-11 October 2015
This annual festival is the largest of its kind in Europe. Events include talks and lectures, poetry readings, novelists in conversation, exhibitions, discussions, workshops and two large bookshops. Book it! Is a festival for children within the main festival with an extensive programme of events. Brochures are available in August. Founded 1949.
Chester Literature Festival
55-57 Watergate Row South, Chester, CH1 2LE
www.chesterliteraturefestival.co.uk
October
A leading literature festival, grown in stature and scale in recent years, with scores of events spread all over a fortnight featuring writers from the internationally acclaimed to emerging local talent. The festival incorporates GobbleDeBook, and annual week-long children’s literature festival with workshops, plays and parties as well as events featuring dozens of children’s authors.
City of London Festival
Fitz Eylwin House,
25 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2BP
Summer
Every summer the Festival takes over the City’s most beautiful venues with hundreds of ticketed and free arts events for everyone.
Cork International Short story Festival
Frank O’Connor House,
84 Douglas Street,
Cork,
Republic of Ireland
September
Run by the Munster Literature Centre, this festival includes readings, seminars and public interviews, and is host to several short story awards including the Frank O’Connor Short Story Award.The Centr also hosts to annual Cork Spring Poetry Festival.
Cuirt International Festival of Literature
Galway Arts Centre,
47 Dominick Street,
Galway,
Republic of Ireland
19-24 April 2016
An annual week-long festival to celebrate writing, bringing together national and international writers to promote literary discussion. Events include readings, performances, workshops, seminars, lectures, poetry slams and talks. The festival is renowned for its convivial atmosphere. (cuirt means a ‘bardic court or gathering’). Founded 1985.
The Daunt Books Festival
83 Marylebone High Street,
London W1U 4QW
020-7224 2295
The Daunt Books Festival takes place in beautiful Edwardian premises in Marylebone. This annual celebration of literature goes to show that is bookshop is not just a place to buy books but a space to bring readers together., to foster a literary community and to have a great deal of fun in the process. Key speakers have included Michael Palin, Antonia Fraser, Colin Thubron, Owen Jones, Tracy Chevalier, Sebastian Barry, William Fiennes, Robert Muchamore and Michael Morpurgo.
Dinefwr Literature Festival
Literature Wales,
4th Floor,
Cambrian Buildings,
Mount Stuart Square,
Cardiff CF10 5FL
029-2047 2266
www.dinefwrliteraturefestival.co.uk
June
Dinefwr Literature Festival takes place at the beautiful Dinefwr Park and Castle in Carmarthenshire. The bilingual (Welsh/English) festival features an eclectic mix of literature, music, comedy, children’s authors, singer-songwriters and scriptwriters, plus fringe acts appealing to children and adults alike. The festival is organized by Literature Wales in partnership with National Trust Cadw and University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and is supported by Arts Council of Wales.
Dublin Book Festival
c/o Dublin UNESCO City of Literature,
138-144 Pearse Street,
Dublin 2,
Republic of Ireland
http://www.dublinbookfestival.com
Dublin Book Festival brings together the best of Irish publishing, offering a chance for the voices of both established and up and coming authors to be heard. Held in Smock Alley Theatre, the festival’s events include book launches, interviews, workshops, a children’s and schools programme and lots more.
Durham Book Festival
New Writing North,
PO Box 1277,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 5PB
October
A book festival for new and established writers, taking place in the historic city of Durham.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
5A Charlotte Square,
Edinburgh EH2 4DR
0131 718 5666
August.
Europe’s largest public celebration of books and reading. In addition to a unique independent bookselling operation, more than 800 UK and international writers appear in over 750 events for adults and children. Programme details available in June.
Ennis Book Club Festival
Clare County Library,
Mill Road,
Ennis,
Co. Clare,
Republic of Ireland
info@ennisbookclubfestival.com
First weekend of March An annual literary weekend which brings together book club members, book lovers and writers. Includes lectures, readings, discussions, workshops and exhibitions.
Essex Poetry Festival
Flat 3,
1 Clifton Terrace,
Southend-on-Sea,
Essex SS1 1DT
adrian@essex-poetry-festival.co.uk
www.essex-poetry-festival.co.uk
October
A poetry festival across Essex. Also includes the Young Essex Poet of the Year Competition.
Festival at the Edge
39 Fawdry Street,
Whimore Reans,
Wolverhampton WV1 4PA
07544 044126
July
A storytelling festival with a mix of stories, music and performance, held in Much Wenlock, Shropshire.
Folkestone Book Festival
(01303) 760740
20-29 November 2015
An annual festival with over 40 events, including a Children’s day.
Free the Word!
PEN International,
Brownlow House,
50-51 High Holborn,
London WC1V 6ER
020-7405 0338
www.internationalpen.org.uk/events-festivals/free-the-word
April
Free the Word! Is a festival for authors and readers which bridges the divide between national literatures. Present writers from countries worldwide at events in London.
Guildford Book Festival
c/o Tourist Information Office,
155 High Street, Guildford GU1 3AJ
(01483) 444334
director@guildfordbookfestival.co.uk
www.director@guildfordbookfestival.co.uk
11-18 October 2015
An annual festival. Diverse, provocative and entertaining, held throughout the historic town and drawing audiences from throughout London and the south-east. Author events, workshops and schools programme. Its aim is to further an interest and love of literature by involvement and entertainment. Founded 1989.
Harrogate History Festival
32 Cheltenham Parade,
Harrogate,
North Yorkshire HG1 1DB
(01423) 562 303
www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/history/
22-25 October 2015
Four days of events celebrating the best of historical writing, as well as inspiring talks and discussions on historical topics.
The Hay Festival
Festival Office,
The Drill Hall,
25 Lion Street,
Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AD
(01497) 822620
May/June
This annual festival of literature and the arts in Hay-on-Wye, Wales brings together writers, musicians, film-makers, historians, politicians, environmentalists and scientists from around the world to communicate challenging ideas. More than 700 events over ten days. Within the annual festival is a festival for families and children, Hay Fever, which introduces children, from toddlers to teenagers, to their favourite authors and holds workshops to entertain and educate. Programme published April.
Huddersfield Literature Festival
School of Humanities,
Music and Media,
University of Huddersfield HD1 3DH
(01484) 430 228
The festival programmes events to support and showcase new, emerging and established writers/artists, including author talks, writing and performance workshops, multi-arts performances, innovative spoken word events and the Huddersfield Manga Con, Majikkon. Founded 2006.
Ilkley Literature Festival
9 The Grove,
Ilkley LS29 9LW
(01943) 601210
admin@ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk
www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk
2-18 October 2015
The north of England’s oldest, largest and most prestigious literature festival with over 250 events, from author discussions to workshops, readings, literary walks, children’s events and a festival fringe. Founded 1973.
Independent Bookshop Week
www.independantbooksellersweek.org.uk
June
Independent Bookshop Week is an annual celebration of independent bookshops and is part of the IndieBound campaign (www.indiebound.org.uk) to promote independent bookshops, strong reading communities and the idea of shopping locally and sustainably. Independent Bookshop Week brings together bookshops, publishers and consumers through events such as National Reading Group Day, author visits and story time sessions, and offers from publishers.
International Literature Festival Dublin
c/o Dublin City Council,
Arts Office,
The Lab,
Foley Street,
Dublin 1,
Republic of Ireland
May
The International Literature Festival Dublin (formerly Dublin Writers Festival) is Ireland’s premier literary event and gathers the finest writers in the world to debate, provoke, delight and enthral. The festival continues to champion Dublin’s position as a UNESCO City of Literature, celebrating the local alongside the global and the power of words to change the world. With readings, discussions, debates, workshops, performances and screenings, the Festival creates a hotbed of ideas for all ages to enjoy. Founded 1998.
Jewish Book Week
Jewish Book Council,
ORT House,
126 Albert Street,
London NW1 7NE
020-7446 8771
February/March
A festival of Jewish writing, with contributors from around the world and sessions in London and nationwide. Includes events for children and teenagers.
King’s Lynn Festival
Bishops Lynn House,
18 Tuesday Market Place,
King’s Lynn,
Norfolk PE30 1JW
(01553) 767557
17-30 July 2016
An annual arts festival with a music focus, including literature events featuring guest writers. Founded 1951.
Kingston Readers’ Festival
Kingston University,
River House,
53-57 High Street,
Kingston Upon Thames
KT1 1LQ
020-8417 9000
April/May
A small non-profit-making limited company with charitable and educational aims to: Foster and celebrate a love of reading, promote a broad range of events for all ages – including short story, poetry and writing for performance competitions. Develop an outreach programme comprising workshops and authors’ talks. Promote the work of Kingston University and the Rose Theatre Kingston. Raise money for local good causes and other reading related charities. Established 2002.
Knutsford Literature Festival
October
An annual festival to celebrate writing and performance, with distinguished national, international and local authors. Events includereadings and discussions, a literary luncha nd theatrical performances.
Laureate na nOg
Children’s Books Ireland,
17 North Great George’s Street
Dublin 1, Ireland
http://www.childrenslaureate.ie
This is a project recognising the role and importance of literature for children in Ireland. This unique honour was awarded for the first time in 2010. The position is held for a period of two years. The laureate participates in selected events and activities around Ireland and internationally during their term. The laureate is chosen in recognition of their widely recognised high quality children’s writing or illustration and the considerably positive impact they have had on readers as well as other writers and illustrators. Laureate na nOg will be announced in May 2016.
Ledbury Poetry Festival
Master’s House,
St Katherines,
Bye Street,
Ledbury HR8 1EA
(01531) 6341563
July
An annual festival featuring top poets from around the world, together with a top poet-in-residence programme, competitions (see rules and download form from website), workshops, community events and exhibitions.
Listowel Writers’ Week
24 The Square,
Listowel,
Co. Kerry,
Republic of Ireland
1-5 June 2016
Listowel Writers’ Week is an acclaimed literary festival devoted to bringing together writers and audiences at unique and innovative events in the historic and intimate surroundings of Listowel, County Kerry. At the heart of the annual celebration is a commitment to developing and promoting writing talent, underpinned by an organisation that works to the values of the partnership, inclusivity and civic responsibility. Events include workshops, readings, seminars, lectures, book launches, art exhibitions and a comprehensive children’s and teenagers’ programme. Founded 1971.
Litfest
The Storey,
Meeting House Lane,
Lancaster LA1 1TH
(01524) 62166
15-19 October 2015
Annual literature festival featuring prose and poetry from local, national and international writers. Litfest is the literature development agency for Lancashire with a year round programme of reading and occasional workshops.
London Literature Festival
Southbank Centre,
Belvedere Road,
London SE1 8XX
020-7960 4200
customer@southbankcentre.co.uk
http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/festivals-series/london-literature-festival October
A two-week festival, featuring international and prize-winning authors, historians, poets, performers and artists, children’s events, specially commissioned work, debate and discussion, interactive and improvised writing and performance. Founded 2007.
Lowdham Book
c/o The Bookcase,
50 Main Street,
Lowdham NG14 7BE
0115-966 4143
June
An annual ten-day festival of literature events for adults and children, with a daily programme of high profile national and local writers. The last day always features dozens of free events and a large book fair.
Manchester Children’s Book Festival
The Manchester Writing School at MMU,
Dept of English,
Manchester Metropolitan University,
Rosamond Street West,
Off Oxford Road,
Manchester M15 6LL
0161 247 2424
24 June-3 July 2016
An annual festival celebrating the very best writing for children, inspiring young people to engage with literature and creativity across the curriculum, and offering extended projects and training to ensure the event has impact and legacy in classrooms.
Manchester Literature Festival
The Department Store,
5 Oak Street,
Manchester M4 5JD
0161 832 5502
office@manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk
www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk
October
An annual two-week festival in October celebrating the best new literature from around the world.
May Festival
Events Team,
University of Aberdeen,
King’s College,
Aberdeen AB24 3FX
(01224) 273874
May
The May Festival programme aims to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, providing a culturally-enriching experience of the North East, Scotland and beyond. It aims to build on the success of research projects and past and present activities such as Word, Directors Cut, the British Science Festival and the music concert series. Events include debates, lectures, readings, workshops and concerts spanning areas such as literature, science, music, film, Gaelic, food and nutrition.
National Eisteddfod of Wales
40 Parc Ty Glas, Llanisien,
Cardiff CF14 5DU
0845 409 0300
August Wales’ largest cultural festival. Activities include competitions in all aspects of the arts, fringe performances and majestic ceremonies. In addition to activities held in the main pavilion, it houses over 300 trade stands along with a literary pavilion, a music studio, a movement and dance theatre, an outdoor performance stage and a purpose built theatre. The event is set in a different location each year; Montgomeryshire in 2015 and Monmouthshire in 2016.
National Short Story Week
www.nationalshortstoryweek.org.uk
16-22 November 2015
An annual awareness week aimed at encouraging more people to write, read and listen to short stories. Events held in the UK with involvement from publishers, writers, libraries, universities, writing organisations and readers. See website for details of the Annual Young Writers’ competition. Founded 2010.
Noirwich Crime Writing Literary Festival
School of Literature, Drama, and Creative Writing,
University of East Anglia,
Norwich NR4 7TJ
(01603) 592738
www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk/noirwich.aspx
September
Noirwich Crime Writing Festival celebrates the sharpest noir and crime writing over four days of author and academic events, film screenings and writing masterclasses in Norwich, UNESCO City of Literature. A collaboration between the Crime Writers’ Association, the University of East Anglia, Waterstones and Writers’ Centre Norwich.
Norfolk & Norwich Festival
Augustine Steward House,
14 Tombland,
Norwich NR3 1HF
(01603) 877750
May
Off the Shelf Festival of Words
Sheffield
Room 3311,
Town Hall,
Pinstone Street,
Sheffield S1 2HH
0114 273 4716
10-31 October 2015
A diverse and exciting literature festival with more than 150 events including well-known author talks, writing workshops, poetry, family activities, debates, competitions and exhibitions.
Oundle Festival of Literature
March and throughout the year
Featuring a full programme of author events, poetry, philosophy, politics, storytelling, biography, illustrators, and novelists for young and old. Includes events for children.
FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival
Registered Office,
Greyfriars Court,
Paradise Square,
Oxford OX1 1BE
01865 286074
info@oxfordliteraryfestival.org
www.oxfordliteraryfestival.org
March/April
An annual festival for both adults and children. Presents topical debates, fiction and non-fiction discussion panels, and adult and children’s authors who have recently published books. Topics range from contemporary fiction to discussions on politics, history, science, gardening, food, poetry, philosophy, art and crime fiction.
Poetry International
Literature Department,
Southbank Centre,
Belvedere Road,
London SE1 8XX
July
The biggest poetry festival in the British Isle, bringing together a wide range of poets from around the world. Includes readings, workshops and discussions. The Literature + Spoken Word department also runs a year-round programme of readings, talks and debates.
Port Eliot Festival
Port Eliot Estate Office,
St Germans,
Saltash,
Cornwall PL12 5ND
(01503) 232783
http://www.porteliotfestival.com
The idyllic Port Eliot estate in Cornwall plays host to the UK’s most imaginative arts festival; over 100 performances on ten different stages, presenting a wealth of creative talent from the world of books, music, fashion, food and film. Port Eliot aims to raise the spirits of and inspire its audience, and the festival prides itself on offering something a little bit different.
Quite Literary
The Plough Arts Centre,
9-11 Fore Street,
Torrington,
Devon EX38 8HQ
(01805) 622552
richard@theploughartscentre.org.uk
Throughout the year.
An occasional literature programme including workshops, readings, performances and exhibitions, as part of a larger programme of arts work, including community and educational workshops, projects, residencies and performances. For info on The Plough Prize international poetry competition, visit http://www.theploughprize.co.uk
Raworths Literature Series
32 Cheltenham Parade,
Harrogate,
North Yorkshire HG1 1DB
(01423) 562303
www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/raworths-literature-series/
July
Four days of literary events designed to inspire and stimulate.
Readathon
Read for Good,
26 Nailsworth Mills,
Avening Road,
Nailsworth,
Glos. GL6 0BS
0845 606 1151
Readathon is the UK-wide sponsored reading event for schools, encouraging children of all ages to read for pleasure, motivated by the knowledge that the money they raise will help seriously ill children via Readathon’s partner charities. Readathon may be run at any time of year to suit each school’s preference. Pupils choose their own reading material, which needn’t just be books. Pre-readers may listen to stories or share picture books. Each school receives book vouchers worth 20% of its sponsorship total. Founded 1984.
Rye Arts Festival
Literary Events Director,
Little Maxfield,
Fourteen Acre Lane,
Three Oaks,
Hastings,
East Sussex TN35 4NB
(01797) 224442
http://www.ryeartsfestival.co.uk
Last 2 Weeks of September
Annual festival of literary events featuring biographers, novelists, political and environmental writers with their book signings and discussions. Runs concurrently with festival of music and visual arts.
Small Wonder: The Short Story Festival
The Charlston Trust,
Charleston,
Firle,
Lewes,
East Sussex BN8 6LL
(01323) 811626
23-27 September 2015
Charleston, country home of the Bloomsbury set, hosts this respected annual short story jamboree. Small Wonder celebrates the most innovative short fiction in a variety of forms from top practitioners of the art, and also incorporates a fringe programme of participatory events for all ages.
Spring Literary Festival
University of East Anglia,
Norwich NR4 7TJ
(01603) 592286
February-April
An annual festival of events bringing established writers of fiction, biography and poetry to a public audience in the Eastern region
St Ives Literature Festival
(01736) 753899
http://www.facebook.com/StIvesLiteratureFestival
Second Week in May
Organised in association with a number of Cornwall and West Country publishers, the festival consists of readings, talks, workshops and performance events.
StAnza: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival
(01334) 475000
March
The festival engages with all forms of poetry: read and spoken verse, poetry in exhibition, performance poetry, cross-media collaboration, schools work, book launches and poetry workshops, with numerous UK and international guests and weekend children’s events. Founded 1997.
States of Independence
c/o Five Leaves Publications,
PO Box 8786,
Nottingham NG1 9AW
www.statesofindependance.co.uk
March
An annual one day festival celebrating independent publishing. Held in mid-March at De Montfort University in Leicester. Involves independent publishers from the region and elsewhere in the country. A free event with 30 sessions and a book fair.
Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival
Shakespeare Centre,
Henley Street,
Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW
(01789) 204016
June/July
An annual festival to celebrate poetry past and present with special reference to the works of Shakespeare. Events include: evenings of children’s verse, a Poetry Mass and a local poets’ evening. Sponsored by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Swindon Festival of Literature
Lower Shaw Farm,
Shaw,
Swindon,
Wilts. SN5 5PJ
(01793) 771080
swindonlitfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk
www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk
May
An annual celebration of live literature through prose, poetry, drama and storytelling, with readings, discussions, performances, and talks in theatres, arts centres, parks and pubs. A festival of ideas with leading authors, speakers and performers.
Theakstons Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival
32 Cheltenham Parade,
Harrogate,
North Yorkshire HG1 1DB
(01423) 562303
crime@harrogate-festival.org.uk
www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/crime
July
Four days of events featuring the best of UK and international crime writers.
The Dylan Thomas Festival
The Dylan Thomas Centre,
Somerset Place,
Swansea SA1 1RR
(01792) 463980
dylanthomas.lit@swansea.gov.uk
27 October- 9 November
An annual festival celebrating the life and work of Swansea’s most famous son: performances, lectures, debates, poetry, music and film. Also, regular events throughout the year and talks and tours by arrangement.
Warwick Words- Festival of Literature and Spoken Word
The Court House,
Jury Street,
Warwick CV34 4EW
(07944) 768607
Beginning of June and October
Founded 1999.
Ways With Words Festivals of Words and Ideas
Droridge Farm,
Dartington,
Totnes,
Devon TQ9 6JG
(01803) 867373
http://www.wayswithwords.co.uk
Leading writers give talks, interviews and discussions. Events: Words by the Water Festival of Words and Ideas (Cumbria, March), The Telegraph Ways With Words Festival of Words and Ideas (Devon, July), the Southwold Literature Festival (Suffolk, November) and writing and art holidays in Italy and Devon.
Wells Festival of Literature
Old Ditch Farm,
Lynch Lane,
Westbury Sub Mendip BA5 1HW
(07885) 225991
speakers@wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk
www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk
9-17 October 2015
An 8-day festival, featuring leading writers of fiction and non-fiction, poets and performers. Programme includes talks, discussions, workshops, bookclub and competitions. Events in local schools and the community throughout the year. Takes place in the historic Wells Bishop’s Palace. Founded 1992.
Wigtown Book Festival
Wigtown Festival Company,
County Buildings,
Wigtown,
Dumfries & Galloway DG8 9JH
(01988) 402036
http://www.wigtownbookfestival.com 25 September- 4 October 2015
An annual celebration of literature and the arts in Scotland’s National Book Town. Over 180 events including author events, theatre, music, film and children’s and young people’s programmes.
The Winchester Writers’ Festival
University of Winchester,
Winchester, Hants SO22 4NR
(01962) 827238
judith.heneghan@winchester.ac.uk
Third Weekend in June.
This festival of writing, celebrating its 35th year in 2015, attracts emerging writers from the UK and around the world who come for one-day masters’ courses, talks, and workshops and over 750 one-to-one appointments with 60 internationally renowned commissioning editors to help them harness their creativity and develop their writing, editing and marketing skills. Ten writing competitions, including Poetry, Short Stories, First Three Pages of the Novel, Flash Fiction, Children’s Picture Books, Children’s Funny Fiction, Memoir, Young Writers’ Poetry Competition, Writing Can Be Murder and Pitch a TV Drama are open to all with prizes including editorial consultations. All first place winners are published in the annual Festival anthology. For information and registration, visit the website.
World Book Day
6 Bell Yard,
London WC2A 2JR
0906 265 0004
First Thursday in March.
An annual celebration of books and reading aimed at promoting their value and creating the readers of the future. Every schoolchild in full-time education receive a £1 book token and events take place all over the UK and Ireland in schools, bookshops and libraries. World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading and is marked in over 30 countries. It is a partnership of publishers, National Book Tokens, booksellers and interested parties who work together to promote books and reading for the personal enrichment and enjoyment of all.
Self-editing Fiction that Sells 