FESTIVALSUllapool Book Festival
8-10 May
The 16th Ullapool Festival is a showcase for
not just Highland writers but writers from
other parts of Scotland and around the world.
http://www.ullapoolbookfestival.co.uk
Swindon Spring Festival
8-17 May
The former Swindon Festival of Literature
expands to see writers, storytellers, dancers,
actors and musicians taking part in a series
of workshops, discussions, performances
and readings. The spoken and written word
remains at the heart of events.
http://www.swindonspringfestival.co.uk
Stratford Literary Festival
9-17 May
An exciting mix of debate, ideas, celebrity
author events, workshops and humour in
the famous Warwickshire town. Big names
to have taken part in previous years include
Emma Darwin, Ben Okri, Tracy Borman,
Alison Weir and Francesca Simon.
http://www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk
The Bath Festival
15-24 May
A celebration of music and literature with a
diverse programme of more than 120 events
taking place over 10 days. John Grant, Rachel
Parris and Patti Smith and the Band are some
of the early bird tickets available before the
full line-up is announced in February.
http://www.bathfestivals.org.uk
Hay Festival Wales
21-31 May
Every year Hay Festival brings together
writers from around the world to debate
and share stories. Taking place in the Brecon
Beacons National Park, Hay celebrates great
writing from poets and scientists, lyricists
and comedians, novelists and more.
http://www.hayfestival.com
Listowel Writers’ Week,
Ireland
27-31 May
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2020,
Listowel Writers’ Week is devoted to
bringing together writers and audiences at
unique and innovative events in the historic
and intimate surroundings of Listowel,
County Kerry. There will be literary panel
discussions, moderated talks, poetry readings,
interviews, cultural tours, walks and more.
http://www.writersweek.ie
Derby Book Festival
29 May – 6 June
This festival celebrates the joy of books and
reading for all ages and interests. Established
in 2015 and held over nine days, there will
be writers, poets, historians, politicians,
illustrators, storytellers and musicians.
http://www.derbybookfestival.co.ukThe Festival in the Factory,
Stoke
4-6 June
The festival returns with a diverse programme
of award-winning authors, world-renowned
experts and entertainers, at the pottery
where Emma Bridgewater has manufactured
her iconic designs for more than 20 years
http://www.festivalinafactory.co.ukBorders Book Festival, Melrose
11-14 June
This year the festival celebrates its 16th
year with some of today’s best writers and
personalities taking part in a range of events.
http://www.bordersbookfestival.orgBarnes Children’s Literature
Festival, London
9-14 June
London’s largest children’s literature festival
with workshops, theatre, author and
illustrator talks and more. A full programme
of events will be available online.
http://www.barneskidslitfest.orgFelixstowe Book Festival
26-28 June
Now in its eighth year, this book festival
will feature a diverse mix of events covering
everything from politics to romance. A full
programme of events will be available online.
http://www.felixstowebookfestival.co.ukKate Medhurst brings
you the pick of upcoming
Literary diary writing and book events
Send your event listings three months ahead to [email protected] DIRECTORY
Max Porter
is in LondonAUTHOR & BOOK EVENTSNeil Broadfoot, Glasgow
16 April, 7pm
The thriller writer will be at Waterstones to
launch the paperback edition of No Place To
Die. The event is free to attend.
For more details call 0141 248 4814.Max Porter, London
22 April, 7pm
The bestselling author will be at St Giles-
in-the-Field Church to deliver an exclusive
reading from his second novel Lanny, followed
by a conversation with poet Rachael Allen and
audience questions. Tickets cost £12.
For more details call 020 7240 2532.John Connolly, Cardiff
24 April, 7pm
The author will be at Waterstones with his
new book The Dirty South, a prequel to his
Charlie Parker series. Tickets cost £5.
For more details call 029 2066 5606.Jacqueline Wilson, Cardiff
25 April, 2pm
The much-loved author will discuss her career
and brand new book, Love Frankie, at The Glee
Club. Tickets cost £7 for children, £10 for
adults and £20 including the book. There will
be a chance for children to ask questions.
For more details call 0871 472 0400.Sally Magnusson, Aberdeen
27 April, 7.30pm
The bestselling author will be at Waterstones
to discuss her new book The Ninth Child,
followed by a signing. Tickets cost £2.50.
For more details call 01224 502334.Victoria Hislop, Nottingham
5 May, 6.30pm
The author will be at Waterstones to chat
about her latest Sunday Times bestselling
novel, Those who are not Loved. Tickets cost £5.
For more details call 0115 947 0069.Maggie O’ Farrell, Edinburgh
7 May, 8pm
The award-winning novelist talks about her
new novel Hamnet at Greenside Church in
Edinburgh. Tickets cost from £8.
For more details call 0131 546 4202.Alison Weir, Ely
28 May, 7.15pm
Weir will be at St Peter’s Church talking about
her latest book, Katheryn Howard: The Tainted
Queen. Tickets cost from £7.
For more details call 01353 645005.Lucy Dickens