A literary festival is the best place to be this year if you have a passion for literature. Find new books, listen to your favourite authors and meet new people who share your enthusiasm for literature. Out of the hundreds of literary festivals in the UK, we’ve picked 12 that we think any lover of literature should visit.

Hay Festival

Hay Festival is world famous and a hugely popular event with over 270,000 people in attendance for the 2018 festival. There are over 800 events which include some of the greatest writers and innovators in the industry. We are proud to be a principal partner of the Hay Festival this year - visit our stand (27/28) and relax in the brand new Serious Reading Room throughout the festival.

When is it? 23rd May to 2nd June

Don’t miss: Go to their website to find out more: https://www.hayfestival.com/wales/home

Cheltenham Literature Festival

Over 140,000 tickets were made available for last year’s festival with over 760 authors on site making it an event not to miss this year. Last years participants included the legendary Sir David Attenborough.

When is it? 4th October to 13th October

Go to their website to find out more: https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature/

Bradford Literature Festival

The Bradford Literature Festival includes over 500 events packed into iconic venues. Every year world-renowned authors, poets, musicians artists share their expertise with the audiences.

When is it? 28th June to 7th July

Go to their website to find out more: https://www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk/

Henley Literary Festival

Henley Literary Festival has established itself as one of the best Literary Festival’s around all located in the beautiful riverside town. Last years festivals included events featuring from Lianne Moriarty to Kevin Keegan. Watch out for prelude events coming up in the next few months.

When is it? 28th September to 6th October

Go to their website to find out more: https://henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk/

Edinburgh International Book Festival

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is the largest public celebration of the written word in the world. Every August they bring around 1000 writers and thinkers from across the planet together. Keep an eye out on the launch of this year’s programme in June.

When is it? 2nd August to 26th August

Go to their website to find out more: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/

Manchester Literature Festival

There is no better place to go than Manchester to celebrate literature as it is now a UNESCO city of Literature. The 2018 festival included events from Dame Jenni Murray and Pat Barker.

When is it? 4th to 20th October

Go to their website to find out more: http://www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival

Nestled on the stunning Jurassic Coast, the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival caters for all different audiences with talks from scientists, economists, comedians and rising authors. Last year’s festival featured Sir Michael Morpurgo and Johnny Mercer.

When is it? 18th September to 22nd September

Go to their website to find out more: https://budlitfest.org.uk/

Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival

Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival is one of the unique festivals that is set out in the grounds of the stunning Chiddingstone Castle. The festival has a range of events for all ages which dedicated days for kids and adults. This year’s festival features Joanne Harris, Sir Anthony Seldon and Gogglebox’s Giles and Mary.

When is it? 4th May to 7th May

Go to their website to find out more: https://www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/literary-festival-2019/

Newark Book Festival

This year’s Newark Book Festival will be exploring the theme Home and Away through an engaging programme of panels and author events across a variety of genres. Keep an eye out for the programme which is due to be revealed any time now.

When is it? 12th July to 14th July

Go to their website to find out more: http://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/

Buckingham Literary Festival

Held in the charming market town of Buckingham, at the university’s Ratcliffe Centre, the Buckingham Literary Festival is a three day festival of authors, poets and commentators. Featuring over 20 events, from poetry to politics, there is something for everyone.

When is it? 14th to 16th June

London Literature Festival

The London Literature Festival is back again this year for its thirteenth year. Previous festival participants have included Salman Rushdie, Tom Hanks and Hilary Clinton.

When is it? 17th October to 27th October

Go to their website to find out more: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/london-literature-festival

Tring Book Festival

Last but certainly not least is our local Tring Book Festival! The market town of Tring will be home to some of the world’s best writers, actions and politicians in its maiden year. For this year’s festival you can expect to see debates, interviews, presentations and workshops.

When is it? 8th November to 17th November

Go to their page to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/tringbookfest/