I love reading books and writing about everything in my life, and I also love participating in the stories other people have to share. As someone who loved the literature part of my English degree and still has the quotations book given to me as a prize by my headteacher as a teenager, soaking up literature is something I have continued into adulthood.
Prior to setting up three blogs, I attended the local literature festival for as long as I can remember. On those days I arrange childcare and totally clear my schedule. Free to immerse myself in culture, and words. More importantly, to be in the company of other amazing creatives. I am now finding ways to travel further afield. It is time to share with you what I found when I searched for more opportunities to do something I love.
UK literature festivals to attend
Ilkley Literature Festival
7-23 October 2022
The festival website states –
We are the longest-running literature festival in the north and we celebrate all things reading and writing.
Book your tickets here.
Borderlines Carlisle Book Festival
4th October – 10th October 2022
The festival website states –
Borderlines is a not-for-profit event, now in its 7th year, run by volunteers who believe in community – and the joy of words. We deliver a Festival that balances bringing major national and international names to Carlisle with celebrating and showcasing fantastic local talent. We also run events and activities that encourage and inspire individual creativity.
Manchester Literature Festival
Fri 7 – Sun 23 October 2022
The festival website states –
Encounter incredible writers, actors, comedians, musicians, poets & change-makers. Fri 7 – Sun 23 October 2022. Featuring Edward Enninful, Rob Delaney, Ian Rankin & more!
Book your tickets here.
Verey Books – Pooley Bridge
This is another gem I found out about from contact with a publisher. What a mission this bookshop has –
We want to work with schools and the local community to promote new ideas and initiatives. Through book clubs, ‘walking’ book clubs, poetry slams, storytelling events, book launches and writers’ workshops – we seek to share knowledge, cause conversation and bring people together through the spoken and written word.
Check out all the events they have on here.
2022 Petworth Festival Literary Week
27 October – 6 November 2022 – BOX OFFICE OPEN FROM 28 SEPTEMBER 2022
The festival website states –
The Petworth Festival is a remarkable success story. Founded over 40 years ago by Lord Egremont and a group of like-minded local people, including the composer Robert Walker, an event which first straddled a weekend has now become a major fixture in the summer diary, not just locally but also throughout the region.
Book your tickets here.
Cheltenham Literature Festival
7 October 7 – 16 October 2022
The festival website states –
Cheltenham Literature Festival is the world’s first literature Festival, leading the way in celebrating the written and spoken word.
Book your tickets here.
Berwick Literary Festival
Some of the events are FREE to attend!
13 October – 16 October 2022
The festival website states –
A very warm welcome as we return to live events in Berwick at this year’s Festival. We are delighted to offer a varied and attractive programme that has a focus on Berwick and north-east England, a strong Scottish element, and an international aspect. We hope to entertain, to inform, and to encourage everyone with an interest in words and their expression. Over four days the 9th Festival will include both Zoom and live events around the town, using several new locations for the first time too. Central to north Northumberland and the eastern Scottish Borders, our walled town provides a stunning backdrop to very varied events.
Book your tickets here.
Stratford Literary Festival – Winter Weekend
11-13 November 2022
The festival website states –
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 Festival is one of the most significant literary festivals in the UK, attracting thousands of people who share one passion: a love of books, writing and reading.
Book your tickets here.
Kendal Mountain Festival
17th November – 20th November
I have only recently heard about this festival, through contact with a publisher about reviewing some amazing writers who find new and creative ways to cope with anxiety. The festival website states –
Our vision is, and always has been, “To inspire more people to explore, respect and represent mountains, wilderness and their cultures” and today this seems more relevant and timely as ever.
Book your tickets here.
Hay Festival Winter Weekend
24th November – 27th November
A seasonal weekend of wonder! Join us for a very special Hay Festival Winter Weekend 24-27 November in the newly renovated Hay Castle. Priority booking opens to Friends of Hay Festival Tuesday 27 September. General booking opens Friday 30 September.
Book your tickets here.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed reading about my passion for reading and writing.
Have you been to a literature festival? Will you be booking one in the future?
I didn’t realise there were so many literature festivals and they sound like a dream! I need to get me to one of those.
I did a few sessions at the Berwick, online one. But I’m also planning more in-person festivals.
I really want to go to a literary festival now.
I also want to go to all the ones on the list!!
I’ve not been to a literacy festival before so it was really interesting to read about these events.
They are amazing events and I hope to attend more from now on.
Ever since starting university, I have absolutely loved going to on-campus cultural events. I would love to attend a literature event, as it sounds so educational and interesting. I do so love books, and themed events are also a great way to meet people. 🙂
The one I attend has writers’ workshops, so there are opportunities to meet with others. It’s great.
I never considered attending a literature festival however considering how much I read AND write, this is an excellent suggestion! Thank you!
Glad you found the post useful. They are great events.
Wow! What an extensive list. I’ve not attended anything like this before, but I love the sound of them, especially the ones where community spirit seems to be the forefront!
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
They are amazing events. I just love being surrounded by books! Community spirit is a great element, that I love.
Hello!
I went to the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize in 2004 – the Asia-Pacific edition – and a library in the south-east of Melbourne drew up the winners and nominees.
That same year marked another Writers’ Festival.
My first Writers’ Festival was in 1998 when I attended a workshop on autobiography of culturally and linguistically diverse authors – the panel discussion had an energy I would never forget.
Also I have enjoyed learning about Indonesian politics and arthouse film – and mental health in poetry and publishing.
I have been to poetry slams and trivia quizzes about books – for example HARRY POTTER roughly halfway through the series before all the excitement of GOBLET OF FIRE.
There were also festivals in my writing coursework like WORD MUSIC and DIRT MUSIC and DIRTY WORDS.
I really appreciated all the great Festivals you mentioned in your post.
Aww wow. This is a great list and I can only aspire to have the same amazing achievements – well done.
Glad you liked the list x
And since I read this last the Cheltenham and the Berwick Festivals have gone past – or are about to.
It would be great to share experiences with people who know those festivals.
[I seem to remember that the Berwick is in the north or the middle of Scotland and Cheltenham is in the South of England].
That list of mine was only the beginning, Mummy Conquering Anxiety.
Just remembered about Eventbrite – check if “your” literary festival takes Eventbrite.
And there is currently a service called Humantix which does some good along with event management and ticket sales.
Humantix came into my purview last week.
I also love to read a lot. Thanks for these beautiful sharings☺️
Thank you for reading the post x