The essential guide to the UK’s best literary festivals
Spring has sprung, alerting us to the imminent arrival of summer. With this season comes a delightful array of literary festivals, providing ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the written and spoken word.
We’ve curated a selection of the best literary festivals in the UK. Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring writer, or simply a lover of literature, there’s an event tailored to your interests.
Join us as we explore a handful of the country’s most beloved festivals, uncovering their distinctive appeal and explaining why you might like to attend.
Hay Festival
23 May–2 June 2024, Hay-on-Wye, Wales
Established in 1988, the Hay Festival has blossomed into one of the world’s largest — a remarkable feat considering the Welsh town’s modest population of just 1,500 residents.
Over 11 days, this illustrious event draws over 100,000 attendees who gather to revel in the company of esteemed writers, poets, comedians, musicians, historians, philosophers, and scientists.
Each year, a staggering selection of over 800 events take place, and the 2023 festival boasted appearances from luminaries like Margaret Atwood, The Proclaimers, Dua Lipa, Fflur Dafydd, and Children’s Laureate Wales 2021-23, Connor Allen.
In 2024, guest speakers include David Nicholls, Gary Lineker, Elif Shafak, Anne Enright, Judi Dench, and Theresa May. You can also expect talks from the novelists Paul Lynch, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, Marian Keyes, Amor Towles, and Jacqueline Wilson.
The festival caters to a diverse audience, ensuring something to captivate every literary enthusiast. Among the highlights is the perennially popular Letters Live, where surprise performers bring poignant correspondences from across the ages and around the globe to life.
For families, the festival offers a dedicated children’s programme known as HAYDAYS, featuring tailored options for toddlers and parents, young children, teenagers, and students. This ensures that the magic of literature is shared and celebrated across generations.
Borders Book Festival
13–16 June 2024, Melrose, Scottish Borders
Make your way to the picturesque Scottish Borders this summer to participate in the 21st Borders Book Festival, which will showcase a diverse array of over 100 events across four days.
Expanding beyond its literary roots, the festival now encompasses an eclectic mix of workshops, film screenings, musical performances, comedy acts, health and wellbeing sessions, and drop-in activities. This is complemented by an artisan makers market offering locally sourced food and drink.
The family-friendly gathering offers numerous free ticketed events and engaging activities catering to children and accompanying adults.
Inclusivity is paramount at this festival, with a selection of events featuring dedicated support from British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters for members of the Deaf community. The festival’s three largest venues are equipped with hearing loop systems.
The event supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, so wear your lanyard to discreetly inform festival staff that you might have additional needs.
Among the standout moments of the 2023 festival were enlightening talks by Booker Prize laureate Douglas Stuart and acclaimed novelists Val McDermid, Robert Harris, and Sally Magnusson. The festival was further enriched by figures like Philippe Sands, Professor John Curtice, Andy Burnham, Helena Kennedy, and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
While the 2024 festival programme has yet to be released, you’re guaranteed to be in for a bookish treat.
Bradford Literary Festival
28 June–7 July 2024, Bradford, West Yorkshire
Renowned for its commitment to fostering socio-economic and ethnic diversity among its audience and artists, this festival ensures representation is woven into every facet of its programming.
The event’s programme features a varied selection of inspirational and creative speakers who wield the power of language across the disciplines of literature, poetry, television, film, science, and politics.
Highlights from the 2023 festival programme include appearances by Sir Lenny Henry, Keith Ellison, Sadiq Khan, Angela Rayner, Shaykh Al-Yaqoubi, Anita Rani, Sir Michael Palin, Rana Ayuub, and Adam Kay.
Families are also always in for a treat with free family fun days. Last year’s favourites included workshops by beloved children’s authors and sensory storytelling sessions tailored for babies and toddlers.
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival
18–21 July 2024, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
This distinguished event is a focal point for fans of crime literature, drawing together a dazzling ensemble of leading crime-writing authors, literary agents, editors, publishers, and avid readers.
Immerse yourself in the world of crime fiction as the festival unfolds with an exhilarating programme showcasing bestselling authors and unveiling the brightest new talents in the genre. From gripping panel discussions to insightful workshops, attendees have the opportunity to delve into the intricate art of crime writing, gaining valuable insights from industry experts and seasoned professionals.
Beyond the allure of literary discussions, the festival provides a vibrant platform for networking and forging connections within the crime writing community.
Consider attending if you’re a published writer seeking inspiration, an aspiring author looking to hone your craft, or a passionate reader eager to delve into the latest mysteries and thrillers.
Marlborough Literature Festival
26–29 September 2024, Marlborough, Wiltshire
Now in its 15th year, the Marlborough Literature Festival is a testament to the town’s rich literary heritage, honouring the legacies of esteemed writers linked to its storied past. From the poignant poetry of Siegfried Sassoon to the masterful prose of William Golding and the lyrical musings of John Betjeman, Marlborough has served generations of literary greats.
While it may be smaller in scale than other events, the festival boasts a meticulously curated programme brimming with fascinating live events tailored for adults and exciting outreach activities designed to entertain children and families.
The 2023 festival witnessed a stellar lineup of speakers, including the esteemed local bestselling writer Robert Harris, the acclaimed Irish novelist Sebastian Barry, the venerable retired cricketer Mike Brearley, and the irrepressibly witty comedian Andy Hamilton. These guests graced the festival stage with their insights, anecdotes, and literary prowess, captivating audiences and leaving an indelible mark on Marlborough’s literary landscape.
You can expect another fantastic line-up for the 2024 event.
Cheltenham Literature Festival
4–13 October 2024, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
During the 2023 festival, a wealth of stars graced the stages. These included Brian Cox, Tim Peake, Elizabeth Day, Charlie Mackesy, Sadiq Khan, Jojo Moyes, Liv Little, David Mitchell, Yomi Adegoke, and Heather Morris.
The festival also welcomed a cohort of authors, illustrators, and poets who entertained and educated over 12,000 schoolchildren. Among them were Rob Biddulph, Benji Davies, Anna James, Jamie Littler, Michael Rosen, Varsha Shah, and Kate Wakeling — each leaving an indelible mark on young minds with their creativity and insight.
Committed to inclusivity, Cheltenham takes pride in its accessibility initiatives, providing hearing loops, captioned events, and relaxed performances to ensure that all attendees, regardless of their needs, can fully immerse themselves in the festival experience.
