5 of the UK’s Best Literary Festivals

Festivals have been sorely missed over the last year, and for all us book lovers, literary festivals are not excluded. Last year saw many of the country’s most popular book festivals go virtual, but with the end of lockdown in sight, and outdoor activities opening up, we can now officially save the dates for some real life, in-person literary fun! Here’s a roundup of the best in the UK to pencil into your diaries now.

London Literature Festival

The London Literature Festival is back at Southbank Centre from the 17th – 21st September 2021. The iconic London festival brings together international authors, poets and speakers for an exciting gathering of writers and booklovers over the 4-day festival. Enjoy a series of events amongst stunning river views, including the centre’s longest running event, Poetry International, founded by Ted Hughes in 1967.

For more information sign up to their newsletter here: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/london-literature-festival#event

Cheltenham Literature Festival

From 8th – 17th October this year head to Cheltenham for their annual literature festival. Celebrating the written and spoken word this festival is perfect for lovers of poetry and literature. With over 100 events spread out over 10 days, featuring content unique to Cheltenham, the festival promises to bring some of the biggest names in publishing to you this autumn. Last year’s festival championed a hybrid of in-person and online events, which won it a coveted Future Book 2020: Best Lockdown Event award.

Find out more on their website here: https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature/about-the-festival/

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Taking a hybrid approach themselves this year, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is back from 14th – 30th August, with a huge live streamed programme as well as (hopefully) some in-person events alongside it. Their new venue in the city’s University College of Art grounds, boasts grassy, open outdoor spaces with magnificent views of Edinburgh Castle, and of course an incredible line up of literary events. Really, there’s no city better to celebrate the arts than Edinburgh!

Find out how to book and more info here: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on

Henley Literary Festival

From Saturday 2nd October – Sunday 10th, one of the UK’s biggest book festivals, Henley Literary Festival is back. With previous guests including Mary Berry, Theresa May and Richard E. Grant, this year’s festival is sure to be a star-studded event. Having featured over 170 events in 2019, this festival has everything for book loving adults and children alike.

Join their mailing list for the latest news and updates: https://henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk/about/

North Cornwall Book Festival

For something smaller in one of the UK’s best staycation locations, why not check out the North Cornwall Book Festival. From September 23rd – 26th, enjoy discovering some of the smaller names in the world of literature and publishing, and dive into a series of workshops and activities on offer. Sign up to their mailing list to be at the front of the queue for tickets, as this is not one to miss!

Find out more info here: https://www.ncornbookfest.org/