Best book festivals
If you like prefer festivals that focus on books, ideas and authors rather than music, beer and sleeping in a tent, these are the ones for you.
There's a whole plethora of literary events happening around the country this year, with line-ups featuring world-renowned authors - so take your pick...
Bradford Literature Festival
When: 28 June-7 July
Where: Bradford
Highlights: This 10-day festival celebrates its 10th year this year with over 500 events, including conversations with Miriam Margolyes, Lemn Sissay, Mary Beard, Sara Pascoe and Ruby Wax.
Chalke History Festival
When: 24-30 June
Where: Church Bottom, Broad Chalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire
Highlights: The world's biggest history festival returns with a new look for 2024 and lots more going on. Speakers include James May, The Rest Is History duo Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, Max Hastings, Bettany Hughes and Sathnam Sanghera.
How: Chalke History Festival (tickets go on sale in April)
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival
When: 18-21 July
Where: Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate
Highlights: The award-winning crime writing festival is back for its 21st year, and this time renowned author Ruth Ware is at the helm as programming Chair. Other speakers include Richard Osman, Chris Carter, Jane Casey, Elly Griffiths, Erin Kelly, Vaseem Khan, Dorothy Koomson, Shari Lapena, Abir Mukherjee and Liz Nugent. A must for crime fans!
How: Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival
Also24
When: 12-14 July
Where: Park Farm, Compton Verney, Warwickshire
Highlights: Set lakeside in 50 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped surroundings, this boutique festival combines authors, music and comedy alongside food, nature and wellness. Speakers this year include Philippa Perry, Natalie Haynes, Dr Pragya Agarwal, Adam Kaye and Sara Pascoe.
How: Also24
Edinburgh International Book Festival
When: 10-25 August
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
Highlights: One of the leading literary festivals in the world, the Edinburgh International Book Festival is going to be bigger than ever before – an estimated 220,000 visitors are expected at Charlotte Square Gardens this year. The programme for this year hasn't yet been announced but last year’s guest speakers included Gordon Brown, Judy Murray, Colson Whitehead, Val McDermid, Elif Shafak and Ali Smith.
How: Edinburgh Book Festival (tickets go on sale on 4 June)
North Cornwall Book Festival
When: 26-29 September
Where: St Endellion, Cornwall
Highlights: Curated by bestselling writer Patrick Gale, this intimate festival includes author events, live music and an artisan market. Speakers include Anne Enright, Simon Armitage and Sathnam Sanghera.
How: endelienta.org.uk/north-cornwall-book-festival
Cheltenham Literature Festival
When: 4-13 October
Where: Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Highlights: One of the oldest book festivals in the world, the Cheltenham Literature Festival was established in 1949. There are over 100 debates, interviews and workshops planned in 2024. No names have been released yet for this year's events but last year's speakers included Brian Cox, Jojo Moyes, Elizabeth Day, Charlie Mackesy, Sadiq Khan, Liv Little, David Mitchell, Heather Morris, Tim Peake and Clive Myrie.
How: cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature (tickets will be released in Spring)
Cliveden Literary Festival
When: 21- 22 September
Where: Cliveden House in Berkshire
Highlights: Now in it's 8th year, this feastival takes plzace in the beautiful grounds and surrounds of Cliveden House. No speakers have been annouched yet for 2024, but last year's speakers included Zadie Smith, Maggie O'Farrell, Mary Beard, Katherine Rundell and Emily Maitlis.
How: Cliveden Literary Festival
Wigtown Book Festival
When: 27 September – 6 October 2024
Where: Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway, south-west Scotland
Highlights: Scotland's National Book Town plays host to this 10-day event, which features live music, performance, workshops, walks, as well as author events. More names will be added but speakers for now include Pam Ayres, Pen Vogler and Ali Millar.
Henley Literary Festival
When: 28 September to 6 October
Where: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Highlights: This festival held in beautiful Henley on the banks of the river Thames is a lovely place to spend a few days. Among the speakers this year are David Nicholls, Lynda La Plante, Elif Shafak and Shirley Ballas.
How: henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk
Isle Of Wight Literary Festival
When: 3-6 October
Where: Cowes, Isle of Wight, Hampshire
Highlights: Gorgeous Northwood House, a grade II* listed Georgian manor, plays host to book talks, cookery demos and wine tastings, as well as speakers such as Tracy Borman and Susie Dent.
How: isleofwightliteraryfestival.com
Wimbledon Bookfest
When: 17-27 October
Where: Wimbledon, London
Highlights: Set in a leafy suburb of south-west London, this festival takes place twice a year (there are events in the spring, too). Appearing this autumn are Kate Humble, Kate Mosse, Clare Balding, Ingrid Persaud, Mary Berry, Zandra Rhodes and Zeinab Badawi.
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