Book Into These 7 UK Literary festivals
Sometimes all you need is a good book, and we know exactly where to go to find them. Here’s a look at the best literary festivals across the UK; places that you can bring out the book worm in you and start a new chapter of your literary journey. Don’t judge these by their cover and give one of these literary fests a try…
Hay Festival, Wales
Nestled just below the Brecon Beacons you’ll find a whole conglomerate of writers, new and old, at Hay Festival. One such famous face from the past has included Bill Clinton and, as a result, the literary festival has spread its wings across the seas to Spain and Mexico. There’s a tonne of fun to be had, for activities and book readings that fit the Tracy Beaker worlds of children and E.L.James of adults. There’ll be a boatload of readings, interactive workshops and, of course, books galore.
May 23rd– June 2nd
Where: Hay on Wye, Wales
Website: www.hayfestival.com
Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival
Perhaps the literary festival with the most book like setting, Chiddingstone Castle promotes backdrops akin to that of Darcy’s place in Pride & Prejudice. Returning for the May bank holiday expect author talks, live music, the chance to take part in a Poetry Exchange podcast, famous faces and activities for kids and adults alike.
4 – 7th of May
Where: Chiddingstone Castle, Chiddingstone, West Kent
Website: www.chiddingstonecastle.org
Edinburgh International Book Festival
As the largest literary of its kind in the world beginning in 1983, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Edinburgh International Book Festival has seen its fair share of establish novelists over the years. The festival runs around the same time as the fringe, so city shenanigans are booming. The book festival sees over 900 events available for guests to enjoy including high profile debates and discussions, all cushioned into historic Charlotte Square.
10-26th of August
Where: 5 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4DR
Website: www.edbookfest.co.uk
Cliveden House Literary Festival
The spellbinding house that is Cliveden hosts a literary festival just as the sun sets on on summer. The English staple makes for apt spot for literary intervention given its rich history of politics and scandal. Famous faces that’ve adorned its grandeur include Winston Churchill and Alexander Pope making it a real historical gem and picturesque setting for a literary fest. Adding to its charm is the fact that Meghan Markle stayed the night before her wedding – now that’s something to write home about!
28-29th of September
Where: Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire
Website: www.clivedenliteraryfestival.org
London Literary Festival
Taking place in the buzzy and eclectic South Bank Centre in London, this literary festival promises a cornucopia of literary events alongside big speakers that have included Hilary Clinton, Philip Pullman and Tom Hanks in the past. This year you can expect Ian McEwan, Rose McGowan and more to take the stage and inject our minds with their literary prowess.
17-27th of October
Where: Southabnk Centre, Lambeth
Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
North Cornwall Book Festival
Take a trip down to the north of Cornwall in October and you’ll stumble upon a treasure trove of books at the annual fest. Whilst the line-up and goings on aren’t announced until the start of July, we can tell you that last year featured a whole array of workshops, readings and performances. Now in it’s seventh year, the indecently run affair will, we’re sure, follow in its own successful footsteps with a passion and success galore.
10-13th of October and booking open from 1st of July
Where: St Endellion Church, Port Isaac
Website: www.ncornbookfest.org
Port Eliot Festival
We’re sticking about in Cornwall and this time it’s the turn of summer haven Port Eliot. The fairytale castle plays host to a series of events over the summer including a spellbinding festival that touches on not just books but nature, food, fashion, music and more. There’s something for everyone at the picturesque place and it all makes for a tremendous summer getaway.
25-28th July
Where: St Germans, Cornwall
Website: www.porteliotfestival.com
Plus, calling all book worms! Check out 11 of London’s best bookshops here
