Whilst this week hasn’t yet felt Autumnal, the fact that it’s September tells me it’s on its way. And one of the things I love most about Autumn is the Literary festivals.
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to festivals celebrating books in the UK. From the very north to the very south of this green and pleasant land, as the leaves begin to turn and the temperature drops, you can find somewhere nearby to rub shoulder with your favourite authors and fellow book lovers.
And I love nothing more than the excuse to sit and listen, soaking up the wisdom, and the story of how my favourite books came to be. Oh and walking away with a few signed copies as well.
Here are some of the UK literary festivals I’m considering visiting this year. I’d love to know if you’ve been to any and what you thought. Share your stories in the comments.
The Cheltenham Literary Festival - 6th-15th October
I went last year and loved it! I wrote about it here and am planning another visit this year, an early birthday gift courtesy of my lovely husband. The festival is centred in Montpelier gardens, with venues across the town. It also attracts authors from across the country there is always something to see.
This year I’m looking forward to seeing:
Elizabeth Day talk about her book Friendaholic
Liv Little and Yomi Adegoke talk about their books Rosewater and The List
And after missing him last year, Charlie Mackesey
I can’t make this one but I know I’ve got some fellow Emma Gannon fans here, she’s on a brunch panel with Elizabeth Uviebinené and Abigail Bergstrom on Saturday 6th.
Wimbledon Bookfest - 12th - 22nd October
I haven’t heard of this one before, but being a Londoner it’s not too far to pop down for an event or two. The leafy London suburb will will playing host to a collection of writers from Annie Macmanus, Anne Enright and of course Emma Gannon.
I’ll be going to Why We Grow with Alice Vincent and Claire Ratinon talk about their books Why Women Grow and Unearthed. I love Alices Substack
and have her book Why Women Grow up next on my TBR pile.The London Literature Festival - 18th - 29th October
There is an intrinsic connection between books and one of the most literary cities in the world. The 2023 edition of the London Literature Festival features George the Poet, Yu Miri, Teju Cole, Sir Patrick Stewart, Jada Pinkett Smith, Kerry Washington, Jacqueline Wilson and more.
Not festivals but worth checking out
The amazing Dolly Alderton has a new book comming out soon, Good Material She’s doing a series of events including the Barbican which is unfortunately sold out but you can catch it online here An audience with Dolly Alderton
If you’re a Londoner and can manage an early start there are a series of creative writing workshops across London parks throughout September, October and November. The 3 The write and shine workshops take place in Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Brompton Cemetery and start at 7.30. I’m contemplating The Hyde Park workshop on the 23rd of September if there’s anyone else interested let me know.
If you’ve got any recommendations I’d love to hear them.
I’m launching something new this Autumn for book lovers
As you may know I love sharing the books that have piqued my curiosity and inspired me to think differently about the world. I’ll be sharing more about the bookclub later this week including the first book so keep an eye out!
Autumn really is the best time for books - in all senses! Thank you for prompting me to explore what's happening near me. Living in the north of England, I'd recommend Off the Shelf festival of words in Sheffield. I go to events every year and it's always a wonderful selection of voices: https://offtheshelf.org.uk/events/ Ilkley literature festival also looks excellent this year: https://www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk/whats-on Birmingham's a little far for me but there looks to be a great selection of events: https://www.birminghamliteraturefestival.org/all-events/
There were some others in happening in October but I'll not recommend those as the organisers appear not to have heard that authors aren't all white, or mostly male...
Hi Hannah 👋 Thank you for sharing the northern festivals. I feel like between us we might just have it covered. I find myself in the north fairly often visiting family so I’m going to keep those on my radar. I hear you diversity is key, different voices and perspectives.