Cheltenham, Gloucestershire · since 1949 · family events

Bills itself as the world’s longest-running literature festival. Free family activities and a schools programme run alongside the talks.

Usually ten days in early-to-mid October

Taunton, Somerset · poetry

Most talks are held at Brendon Books, with support from the town council.

Usually an autumn season, mid-September to early December

Sheffield, South Yorkshire · since 1992

Run by the University of Sheffield, with talks, readings and performances across the city.

Usually October, about four weeks

Lincoln · family events

Lincoln Arts Centre is the festival hub and box office for the main programme.

Usually four days in early October

Maidstone, Kent · family events

Run by a community interest company with borough council support, with a schools programme as well as public events.

Usually early-to-mid October

Cuckfield, West Sussex · since 2017 · family events

Venues include the Queen’s Hall and Ockenden Manor, with children’s sessions from age four.

Usually the first weekend of October

Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire · family events

Beside the Thames, with a large schools programme.

Usually ten days in early-to-mid October

Ilkley, West Yorkshire

A spa-town festival, more than 50 years old by its own account.

Usually about two weeks in the first half of October

Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim

The Dock arts centre is the base, and events reach out into the surrounding countryside.

Usually a weekend in early October

King’s Lynn, Norfolk · since 1985 · poetry · fiction

Founded by the poet George MacBeth and Tony Ellis, the town’s literature festival took this name in 2026.

Usually a weekend in late September or early October

Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear · poetry

Poetry only; the 2026 festival, titled Re-Inventing North, was billed as its eleventh.

Usually early October, though the date has varied

Portobello, Edinburgh · family events

Most events are free, in the library and local bookshops, and children get Bookbug and comic workshops.

Usually the first weekend of October

Guildford, Surrey · family events

Takes authors and illustrators into local schools free of charge.

Usually the first half of October

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire · since 2026 · family events

Run from Stoke Minster with the city’s libraries.

First held 3–10 October 2026

Aberdeen · poetry

Young people devise some of the events at this cross-arts festival from the University of Aberdeen’s WORD Centre.

Usually about nine days in early-to-mid October

London (Barbican) · family events

One day at the Barbican, with a dedicated Children’s Zone.

Usually one day in early October

Warwick · history

Talks and a festival service; 2026 marked 10 years in its current form.

Usually the first half of October

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland · since 2014 · family events

Storytelling for the under-threes is free, and the town library hosts children’s sessions.

Usually about a week in the first half of October

Birmingham, West Midlands

From Writing West Midlands, with a Readers’ Day added to the main programme.

Usually early-to-mid October

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk · family events

Children go free with an adult, and their events are held at the library.

Usually the second weekend of October, with a few events the week after

Cowes, Isle of Wight

Based at Northwood House, where children’s authors and poets lead a free schools programme.

Usually a long weekend in early-to-mid October

Durham

Produced with New Writing North around the Gala Theatre, and home to The Little Read.

Usually the second weekend of October · dates via dur.ac.uk

Manchester · family events

Events range across the city, with a separate programme for children and families.

Usually about two and a half weeks in October

Waterford · family events

Europe’s first festival of reading and writing curated by young people, by its own account, across five Waterford venues.

Usually a weekend in early-to-mid October

Blairgowrie, Perth and Kinross · since 2012

Visiting authors also go into the local schools.

Usually a weekend in early-to-mid October

Harrogate, North Yorkshire · family events

A Harrogate International Festivals event, with children’s writers on the bill.

Usually mid-to-late October

Mere, Wiltshire

Walks and writing workshops fill out the programme, and 2027 is billed as its 30th anniversary.

Usually a week in mid-October

Tallaght, Dublin · family events

Spans South Dublin County, with a free Family Fun Day at Tallaght Library and free family shows at the Civic.

Usually mid-October

Cork · fiction

Short stories only; its list of past festivals goes back to 2008.

Usually mid-October

Mold, Flintshire

A bilingual festival honouring the novelist Daniel Owen, which mixes in music and local history.

Usually mid-to-late October

Westport, Mayo

Author events move between venues around the town.

Usually mid-October, Thursday to Sunday · dates via destinationwestport.com

Wimbledon, London

Calls itself London’s leading literary festival, with strands for schools, under-30s and young writers.

Usually mid-to-late October

Canterbury, Kent · family events

The Books & Ideas programme is one part of a multi-arts festival of more than 130 events.

Usually the second half of October

Sedbergh, Cumbria · since 2024 · crime

Held at the People’s Hall in England’s self-styled book town.

Usually a weekend in mid-October

Lancaster, Lancashire · since 1978

Talks spread through an autumn season, built around a core Autumn Weekend.

Usually October and November, with a festival weekend in mid-October

Liverpool, Merseyside

An adult-focused programme from the University of Liverpool’s English department.

Usually a long weekend in October

Margate, Kent · since 2015 · family events

A registered charity festival by the sea, with headline events at Turner Contemporary.

Usually October

Wells, Somerset · since 1992 · poetry

Runs Young Poets and children’s book competitions alongside its October talks.

Usually about nine days in mid-to-late October

Dorchester, Dorset · family events

Supports free children’s events at the town library.

Usually about a week in mid-to-late October

Aberaeron, Ceredigion

Author events and writing workshops at Aberaeron Memorial Hall.

Usually a weekend in late October or early November

Hastings, East Sussex · family events

Axel Scheffler is among its patrons, and there is a Children’s Day on The Stade.

Usually ten days in mid-to-late October

Wokingham, Berkshire · family events

The town council and borough libraries organise it at the Carnival Hub, the Town Hall and the library.

Usually a weekend in mid-October

Carlisle, Cumbria · family events

Some events are at Tullie museum, and animal stories are pitched at three- to eight-year-olds.

Usually late October into mid-November

London (Southbank Centre)

The Southbank Centre’s festival, held across its riverside venues.

Usually late October into early November

Edinburgh · family events

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is its base, though events reach right across Scotland.

Usually the second half of October

Chester, Cheshire · family events

Storyhouse’s children’s festival, mixing author events with theatre and comedy.

Usually the October half-term · dates via broadwayworld.com

Yeovil, Somerset

Run in association with the Octagon Theatre, with headline talks in the Westlands Ballroom.

Usually mid-to-late October

Petworth, West Sussex

The autumn literary arm of Petworth Festival, an arts festival founded in 1979.

Usually late October into early November · dates via sussexexpress.co.uk

Tobermory, Argyll and Bute

Author talks, lunches and dinners at the Western Isles Hotel on Mull.

Usually two days in late October

Edinburgh · fiction

Held at Christ Church Morningside and sold as full-day passes.

Usually a Saturday in late October

Norwich, Norfolk · since 2024 · family events

Organised by The Forum, with UEA and the National Centre for Writing as lead sponsors.

Usually late October

Orkney

Scaled back in 2026 to a single event at Betty’s Reading Room.

Usually October

Colinton, Juniper Green and Balerno, Edinburgh · since 2015 · history

Libraries, churches and clubs across Edinburgh’s south-west villages host the events.

Usually late October to late November

Wantage, Oxfordshire · family events

Includes a Big Town Read, and held a separate children’s books festival at The Beacon in May 2026.

Usually late October into early November

Stornoway, Na h-Eileanan Siar · since 2006 · family events

An Lanntair arts centre runs it, with Faclan Og as the children’s programme.

Usually late October to early November

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire · since 2008 · family events

A short autumn edition of the spring festival.

Usually late April or May, with a short autumn festival

Winchester, Hampshire · poetry · family events

The next full festival is due in 2027, subject to funding.

Every other year, a weekend in mid-October · last held 10–12 October 2025

Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire

The East Riding Libraries festival, using venues such as the Treasure House in Beverley.

Usually about ten days in October

Sevenoaks, Kent

Talks have been held at Trinity School.

Usually early October

Tring, Hertfordshire

The Dembe Theatre is among its venues.

Usually October or November

Falmouth, Cornwall

International writers come to venues including The Poly.

Usually a week in late October · last held 20–26 October 2025 · dates via voicenewspapers.co.uk

Great Malvern, Worcestershire · family events

Malvern Hills District Council and Boffy Arts and Events run it, with school days then a family weekend.

Usually the October half-term week · last held 21–26 October 2025 · dates via malvernhills.gov.uk

Waterford · family events

The council runs it in the city and Dungarvan, and most events are cheap or free.

Usually late October, Thursday to Sunday · last held 23–26 October 2025 · dates via waterfordlibraries.ie

Ballyshannon, Donegal · poetry

Named for the local poet William Allingham, it runs poetry and flash fiction competitions and school prizes.

Usually early November

Twickenham, London

The volunteer charity Arts Richmond hosts author talks at The Exchange.

Usually Wednesday evenings through November

Dublin · since 2006 · family events

Publishing Ireland set it up, with a programme of its own for schools.

Usually early-to-mid November

Stroud, Gloucestershire · family events

Schools get days of their own.

Usually five days in early November

Mallaig, Highland

Young people get their own strand, Hoolie Hoolets, on the west Highland coast.

Usually a weekend in early November

Bridport, Dorset · family events

Known as BridLit, it runs a KidLit strand and a writing project free for under-19s.

Usually about nine days in early-to-mid November

Norwich, Norfolk

Horror and the uncanny at Dragon Hall, from the National Centre for Writing.

Usually a weekend in early November

Derby · family events

The autumn edition of a summer festival with over 70 events and a strong schools programme.

Usually late May into early June, with an autumn weekend in November

Folkestone, Kent · since 1980 · family events

Creative Folkestone runs it, with a Primary School Series and a Local Authors Showcase.

Usually about 11 days in mid-to-late November · dates via folkestoneandhythe.co.uk

Edinburgh · poetry

Based mainly at the Pleasance, it mixes cabaret, music and workshops in with the readings.

Usually four days in mid-November

Bristol

The Friends of Clifton Centre and Library organise story walks and a Young Writers Competition.

Usually mid-November

Whitby, North Yorkshire · since 2025

A schools writing competition and community outreach sit beside the main programme.

Usually four days in November

Cambridge · family events

A winter weekend from the spring festival, which gives children’s events a section of their own.

Usually late April, with a short winter weekend in November · dates via universityarms.com

Wymondham, Norfolk · since 2010 · family events

Small and run by volunteers, who have put on free storytelling at the library.

Usually the last weekend of November

Portlaoise

Run by Laois County Council’s arts office, with school events and workshops.

Usually early November · last held 4–8 November 2025

Southwold, Suffolk · since 2023

Run by Southwold Library, Southwold Arts Centre and Southwold Books, at St Edmund’s Hall.

Usually a weekend in early November · last held 7–9 November 2025

Swanage, Dorset · since 2024

Held at The Mowlem and the library.

Usually two days in early November · last held 7–8 November 2025 · no website of its own; dates via swanage.news

Todmorden, West Yorkshire

Author talks and workshops in the Calder Valley, plus a schools programme and free community events.

Usually about nine days in early-to-mid November · last held 7–15 November 2025 · dates via visitcalderdale.com

Auchterarder, Perth and Kinross

A small Perthshire festival whose 2025 programme included a crime-writing panel.

Usually early November · no website of its own

Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear · since 1983 · family events

Founded by North East library authorities, it sends authors mainly into schools and libraries.

Usually about two weeks in November

Belfast, County Antrim · family events

Narnia-themed activities around C S Lewis Square in east Belfast.

Usually late November · last held 21–22 November 2025 · dates via belfastcity.gov.uk

Wolverhampton, West Midlands · family events

The city council backs it, and the 2027 festival marks its 10th anniversary.

Usually the first weekend of February

Faversham, Kent

Town venues such as Shepherd Neame’s Old Brewery Store, with a competition for local schools.

Usually late February into early March

Derby · fiction

Ghost stories at QUAD, plus online sessions earlier in February.

Usually a weekend in late February

London (Kings Place, King’s Cross) · since 1952

More than 90 events, some online, from what it calls London’s longest-running literary festival.

Usually about nine days from late February into early March

Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross · food

Midwinter talks at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, where chefs join the literary lunches.

Usually four days in mid-February · last held 12–15 February 2026

Lincoln · since 2025 · family events

Held at the Engine Shed, the city library and the local Waterstones branch.

Usually the February half-term weekend · last held 13–15 February 2026

Barnsley, South Yorkshire · family events

The borough’s libraries organise the author talks, workshops and storytelling sessions.

Usually mid-February to early March · last held 14 February – 7 March 2026 · dates via yorkshirepost.co.uk

Holkham, near Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk · family events

Author meet-and-greets in Holkham Park, plus illustration workshops and a whodunnit story trail.

Usually the February half-term week · last held 15–21 February 2026 · dates via visitnorthnorfolk.com

Aberdeen · crime · family events

From Aberdeen Performing Arts, with detective activities for families.

Usually six days in mid-to-late February · last held 17–22 February 2026 · dates via visitabdn.com

Bridgend · family events

The Awen Cultural Trust spreads it across Bryngarw Country Park, Maesteg Town Hall and local libraries.

Usually the February half-term week · last held 22 February – 1 March 2025 · dates via bryngarwcountrypark.co.uk

Linlithgow, West Lothian · family events

The town’s bookshop, Far From The Madding Crowd, puts on author talks in St Peter’s Church on the High Street.

Usually four days from late February into early March · last held 26 February – 1 March 2026

Limerick

Readings at the Belltable, held in honour of the novelist Kate O’Brien.

Usually late February to early March · last held 27 February – 1 March 2026 · dates via ilovelimerick.ie

Aldeburgh, Suffolk · since 2002

Started by John and Mary James of the Aldeburgh Bookshop, it holds its 26th festival in 2027.

Usually the first weekend of March, Thursday to Sunday · our day out in Aldeburgh

Farnham, Surrey · family events

More than 60 events in about a dozen venues, with Blue Bear Bookshop helping on the schools programme.

Usually about 11 days from early March

Ennis, Clare · since 2007

Volunteers run it with Clare County Library, and book club quizzes and walking tours sit among the readings.

Usually the first full weekend of March

Keswick, Cumbria · family events

Ideas and books at Theatre by the Lake, with storytime for the under-sixes.

Usually mid-March, Wednesday to Sunday

Oxford · family events

Talks take place in university buildings, the Sheldonian among them.

Usually about nine days in mid-to-late March

Leicester · since 2008 · family events

Every event is free to attend at this University of Leicester festival.

Usually mid-to-late March, Wednesday to Saturday

Lichfield, Staffordshire

The charity behind the summer Lichfield Festival runs this spring event as a separate affair.

Usually late March, Thursday to Sunday

Laugharne, Carmarthenshire

Books share the bill with comedy and music, in the clubs and churches of Dylan Thomas’s town.

Usually a weekend in mid-to-late March

Alnwick, Northumberland · family events

Books and film share the bill at Alnwick Playhouse, which also hosts LJ Ross’s Northern Film Prize.

Usually a weekend in early March · last held 6–8 March 2026 · dates via visitalnwick.org.uk

Glasgow

Wee Write is its children’s sibling, and it returns to the spring after a November edition.

Usually spring · last held 6–16 November 2025 · dates via whatsonglasgow.co.uk

St Andrews, Fife · since 1998 · poetry

Three local poets started what is now Scotland’s international poetry festival.

Usually a weekend in mid-March · last held 13–15 March 2026

Dublin · fiction

French and Irish writers meet in Dublin, in a festival built on the exchange between the two literatures.

Usually three days in March

Oundle, Northamptonshire · since 2002 · family events

Volunteers put on author events all year, plus a KidLit week aimed at primary schools.

Usually World Book Day week in March

Chorley, Lancashire · family events

The council’s programme of words and stories stretches to comedy, trails and a comic con.

Usually throughout March

Arundel, West Sussex · poetry

The Victoria Institute runs writing workshops and competitions for poetry and flash fiction.

Usually a weekend in March · last held 20–22 March 2026

Morpeth, Northumberland

Greater Morpeth Development Trust organises it with Northumberland Libraries.

Usually a weekend in March · last held 21–22 March 2026

York · family events

A charity puts on more than 40 events, with a 20th anniversary due in March 2027.

Usually March, about a month · last held 28 February – 30 March 2026 · dates via yorkmix.com

Sherborne, Dorset · since 2023

Travel writing only, run by the Sherborne Literary Society over a spring weekend.

Usually Friday to Sunday in early April

Hexham, Northumberland · since 2006 · family events

Founded by Susie Troup and now run by Queen’s Hall Arts, which lays on sessions for home educators.

Usually about ten days from late April into early May

Abergavenny, Monmouthshire · family events

A youth day brings in the Children’s Laureate Wales, alongside a writing competition for young people.

Usually early April · last held 4–5 April 2025 · dates via abergavennychronicle.com

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire · poetry

Readings, open mics and performances fill venues such as St Paul’s Church and the Friends’ Meeting House.

Usually about ten days in April · last held 9–18 April 2026 · dates via soglos.com

Bristol · poetry · family events

Venues across central Bristol, including a lullaby session for three- to seven-year-olds.

Usually about ten days in late April · last held 17–26 April 2026

Cardiff · family events

Schools get the weekdays, then public events open across the city centre at the weekend.

Usually late March or April, about a week · last held 20–26 April 2026 · dates via visitcardiff.com

Cork

Cork City Libraries and the Triskel Arts Centre run it together each April, at venues across the city.

Usually late April · last held 21–26 April 2026 · dates via triskelartscentre.ie

Galway · since 1985 · poetry

Galway Arts Centre founded it as a poetry festival; it now mixes readings, discussions and workshops for all ages.

Usually a week in late April · last held 21–26 April 2026

Alexandra Palace, Wood Green, London · family events

Also known as North London Book Fest, it brings children’s authors to Alexandra Palace for workshops.

Usually late April, Thursday to Sunday · last held 23–26 April 2026

Bournemouth, Dorset · poetry · family events

Based at Pavilion Dance South West, where the programme runs to agent one-to-ones and writing on the beach.

Usually a weekend in late April · last held 24–26 April 2026 · no website of its own; dates via writersandartists.co.uk

Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire · family events

A bilingual Kids Fest takes over Yr Hen Farchnad for two days of crafts and author workshops.

Usually a weekend in late April · last held 24–26 April 2026

Wrexham · since 2015

Author talks and workshops, plus a murder mystery evening.

Usually late April into early May, about a week · last held 24 April – 1 May 2026 · dates via love-wrexham.com

Colonsay, Argyll and Bute · since 2012

An island affair, held in the village hall and the Colonsay Hotel.

Usually the last weekend of April · last held 25–26 April 2026

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion · since 2021 · crime

A crime-writing festival held in Aberystwyth every other year, which began online in 2021.

Every other year, a weekend in late April · last held 25–27 April 2025

Bewdley, Worcestershire · poetry · family events

Bewdley Festival’s offshoot for young readers, which runs a ghost story trip on the Severn Valley Railway.

Usually late April · last held from 25 April 2026 · dates via kidderminsterstandard.co.uk

Ealing, London · family events

Talks spread across the University of West London, the Questors Theatre and Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery.

Usually late April into early May · last held 29 April – 3 May 2026

Launceston, Cornwall · since 2025 · poetry

Run by the Charles Causley Trust in the poet’s home town.

Usually a weekend in early May

Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent · family events

Talks and debates, with a free family fun day of activities and readings in Calverley Grounds.

Usually early May, about a week

Dumfries House, near Cumnock, East Ayrshire · history · family events

Bills itself as the world’s only festival of biography and memoir, with a Boswell Children’s Festival alongside.

Usually the second weekend of May

Fowey, Cornwall · since 1997 · fiction

Held in Daphne du Maurier’s honour, with concerts and a competition for young writers and artists.

Usually about nine days in early May · our day out in Fowey

Hay-on-Wye, Powys · since 1988 · family events

Held on the Dairy Meadows, where the Family Garden is free.

Usually late May into early June, spanning the late May bank holiday

London · crime

Crime and thrillers at its current home, The Brewery in the City.

Usually a weekend in late May

Cromarty, Highland · crime

Organised by the Cromarty Arts Trust.

Usually the early May bank holiday weekend · last held 1–3 May 2026

Diss, Norfolk · since 2026 · nature writing

The Corn Hall puts it on: a literary walk, a quiz and East Anglian nature writers.

First held 1–3 May 2026

Woodstock, Oxfordshire · family events

The Woodstock Bookshop’s own festival, with one morning given over to a Children’s Festival.

Usually the early May bank holiday weekend · last held 1–3 May 2026

Swindon, Wiltshire · since 1994

Matt Holland founded it and still runs it, opening each festival with a Dawn Chorus.

Usually the first half of May · last held 4–10 May 2026

Huddersfield, West Yorkshire · since 2006 · family events

Known as HuddLitFest, it adds the odd autumn event to the main festival.

Usually May, about 12 days · last held 6–17 May 2026 · dates via livingnorth.com

Liverpool, Merseyside · politics and ideas · family events

Liverpool’s longest-running writing festival, it says, with half-term storytelling at Sefton Park Palm House.

Usually throughout May · last held 6–31 May 2026 · dates via visitliverpool.com

Aberystwyth, Ceredigion · poetry

A Sunday poetry showcase rounds off the readings, workshops and music in venues around town.

Usually a weekend in early or mid-May · last held 8–10 May 2026

Brecon Beacons, Powys · nature writing

Writers gather in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park to talk about the natural world.

Usually a weekend in May · last held 9–10 May 2026 · no website of its own; dates via bannaubrycheiniog.org

Chester, Cheshire

Storyhouse programmes it now, though it began in 1989 with Chester Arts 89 and local booksellers.

Usually mid-May to mid-June, about a month · last held 12 May – 14 June 2026 · dates via prolificnorth.co.uk

Bristol · since 2025 · fiction

Two independent bookshops and the translator Polly Barton are behind it, and the full festival returns in 2027.

First held 12–25 May 2025

Bude, Cornwall

Presented by North Coast Arts, whose visiting authors run free workshops in local schools.

Usually mid-May, Wednesday to Sunday · last held 13–17 May 2026

Firle, near Lewes, East Sussex · family events

Talks in the grounds of the farmhouse Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant made their home.

Usually mid-to-late May, spanning the late May bank holiday · last held 13–25 May 2026 · dates via culturalee.art

Dublin · since 1998 · family events

Formerly the Dublin Writers Festival, it is now centred on Merrion Square.

Usually mid-to-late May · last held 15–24 May 2026 · dates via dublincityartsoffice.ie

Paisley, Renfrewshire

Paisley Town Hall and the Central Library share the events between them.

Usually a weekend in mid-May · last held 15–17 May 2026 · dates via scotsman.com

Strokestown, Roscommon · since 1999 · poetry

Runs its own international poetry competition.

Usually the May bank holiday weekend

Bellaghy, County Londonderry · family events

A country-house festival in Seamus Heaney country, run with Queen’s University Belfast; Sunday is the family day.

Usually a weekend in mid-May · last held 16–17 May 2026 · no website of its own; dates via visitmidulster.com

Bath, Somerset

Now separate from its sister music festival, though still run by the Bath Festivals charity.

Usually about nine days in mid-to-late May · last held 16–24 May 2026

Hertford · family events

Saturday at BEAM in Hertford, Sunday at Southern Maltings in Ware, and most of it free.

Usually a weekend in mid-May, split between Hertford and Ware · last held 16–17 May 2026

Norwich, Norfolk · family events

The Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s literature weekend, co-presented with the National Centre for Writing.

Usually the last full weekend of May · last held 22–24 May 2026

Edinburgh · since 2023 · fiction

Romance fiction only: the Lighthouse and Book Lovers bookshops run workshops and livestream the panels.

Usually two weeks from late April into early May · last held 24 April – 8 May 2026

Worcester · poetry

Panels, readings and book launches, based around Crown Passage.

Usually late May into early June, about a week · last held 29 May – 5 June 2026 · no website of its own; dates via visitworcestershire.org

Market Deeping, Lincolnshire

Events across the Deepings, with a short story competition and a free StoryFest weekend.

Usually late April into early May · last held 29 April – 3 May 2026

Listowel, Kerry · since 1971

Ireland’s oldest literary and arts festival, by its own account, with workshops and writing competitions alongside the programme.

Usually five days over the June bank holiday weekend

Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire · since 2026 · history

Most talks are in the George Watson Hall, with town walks and abbey tours alongside.

First held 18–21 June 2026

Bradford, West Yorkshire · family events

Its education programme for schools is large and free.

Usually ten days in June or early July

Montgomery, Powys

A small-town festival on the Welsh border.

Usually the second weekend of June

Errol Park, Perth and Kinross · poetry · family events

A music and arts festival first, though poets, storytellers and author talks get a strand of their own.

Usually a weekend in mid-to-late June

Melrose, Scottish Borders · history · family events

Held in Harmony Garden, where the Walter Scott Prize winner is announced.

Usually a long weekend in mid-June

Buckingham

Known as BuckLitFest, it reaches its 10th anniversary in 2027.

Usually mid-to-late June, Thursday to Sunday · dates via the festival’s Instagram

Broad Chalke, Wiltshire · history · family events

Set in a village outside Salisbury, it also runs a schools festival of live-action displays.

Usually the last full week of June · dates via gethistory.co.uk

Kells, Meath

Literature shares the programme with the wider arts.

Usually late June

Felixstowe, Suffolk · since 2013

Based at Harvest House on the seafront, it reaches its 15th festival in 2027.

Usually the last weekend of June · dates via felixstowe.gov.uk

Barnes, London · family events

Bills itself as the UK’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival, with a free fun programme in Barnes.

Usually the last weekend of June

Ilminster, Somerset · family events

Local readers started it, and an annual children’s writing competition ends in a prize-giving mid-festival.

Usually early June, about a week · last held 2–9 June 2026

Belfast, County Antrim

Run by the Crescent Arts Centre, with poetry films among the talks and workshops.

Usually about a week in the first half of June · last held 4–11 June 2026

Edinburgh · since 2019 · fiction

Science fiction, fantasy and horror only, at the Pleasance with some events online.

Usually the first weekend of June · last held 5–7 June 2026 · dates via eventslist.co.uk

Lisvane, Cardiff

Volunteers from the community library run it, at the Old School Community Centre.

Usually three days in early June · last held 5–7 June 2026 · dates via literaturewales.org

Leeds, West Yorkshire

Words and ideas, in venues across the city rather than on one site.

Usually about nine days in early-to-mid June · last held 6–14 June 2026

Retford, Nottinghamshire · since 2025

A schools programme runs alongside the public events.

Usually about nine days in early-to-mid June · last held 6–14 June 2026 · no website of its own; dates via crowdfunder.co.uk

Warminster, Wiltshire · family events

Free and run by the town council: talks on Saturday, workshops and children’s activities on Sunday.

Usually a weekend in early June · last held 7–8 June 2025 · dates via warminsterjournal.co.uk

Worcester · poetry · family events

It appoints the Worcestershire Poet Laureate.

Usually a week in June · last held 8–14 June 2025 · dates via whatsonlive.co.uk

Clevedon, Somerset · poetry · family events

Events with the town’s Curzon cinema, plus a separate Celebration of the Book in the autumn.

Usually mid-June · last held 10–14 June 2026

Dublin · fiction

Ulysses readings and street theatre tours, organised by the James Joyce Centre.

Usually the days leading up to 16 June · last held 11–16 June 2026

Lismore, Waterford

Travel writing only, which makes for a weekend spent largely talking about elsewhere.

Usually mid-June · last held 11–14 June 2026 · dates via visitwaterford.com

Lerwick, Shetland Islands · crime

At Mareel, from Shetland Arts.

Usually June, though not every year · last held 11–14 June 2026

Buxton, Derbyshire · family events

Reading and storytelling are free and drop-in, and donations go to the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust.

Usually a weekend in mid-June · last held 12–14 June 2026 · no website of its own; dates via visitpeakdistrict.com

Sturminster Newton, Dorset

Spread over two weekends rather than one, in a Blackmore Vale market town.

Usually two weekends in June · last held 12–21 June 2026 · dates via theblackmorevale.co.uk

Cartmel, Cumbria · since 2026

Talks, panels and debates at Cartmel Racecourse.

First held 12–14 June 2026 · dates via visitlakedistrict.com

Southwold, Suffolk · crime

Now past its first decade, it fills the Southwold Arts Centre with crime and thrillers.

Usually a weekend in June · last held 13–14 June 2026

Wasing, near Aldermaston, Berkshire · family events

Author talks on the Wasing estate with the Hungerford Bookshop, between wild swimming and bushcraft.

Usually a single day in June · last held 14 June 2026 · dates via thegoodwebguide.co.uk

Tees Valley, Teesside

Run jointly by five library services, so events move between branches across the area.

Usually early-to-mid June

Borris, Carlow · politics and ideas

Founded by Hugo Jellett and Vivienne Guinness, and held at Borris House.

Usually a weekend in early June

Loughborough, Leicestershire

Free, and run by the university’s master’s students with LU Arts.

Usually late May to early June

Dalkey, Dublin · since 2010 · politics and ideas

A seaside village festival that gives thinkers as much room as writers.

Usually a long weekend in mid-to-late June · last held 18–21 June 2026

Dundee · poetry · family events

Most of its 25 or so events cost a fiver.

Usually a weekend in mid-to-late June · last held 19–21 June 2026

Eye, Suffolk · family events

A community interest company runs it, with a fair for Suffolk authors.

Usually a weekend in mid-to-late June · last held 19–21 June 2026

Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan

Griffin Books runs it, using the Belle Vue Pavilion in Belle Vue Park.

Usually a weekend in June · last held 19–21 June 2026 · dates via literaturewales.org

Hampstead Garden Suburb, London · family events

Talks at Henrietta Barnett School make up the literary weekend of a north London music festival.

Usually a weekend in late June, within Proms at St Jude’s · last held 27–28 June 2026

Chelmsford, Essex · family events

Events scattered across the county, with a family day built around Oi Frog.

Usually late May to late June, about a month · last held 28 May – 28 June 2026

Buxton, Derbyshire

Books get their own corner of a summer arts festival otherwise given over to opera, music and jazz.

Usually most of July

Canterbury, Kent · family events

Bookshop Crawl UK runs it, with a schools programme in the week before.

Usually a weekend in early-to-mid July

Biddulph, Staffordshire · since 2024 · family events

Children’s books at Biddulph Old Hall: Friday for schools, Saturday for families.

Usually a Friday and Saturday in mid-July · dates via tickettailor.com

Bantry, Cork · since 1998 · family events

Run by West Cork Music, with a dedicated children’s and YA strand.

Usually a week in mid-July

Harrogate, North Yorkshire · crime

At the Old Swan Hotel, from Harrogate International Festivals.

Usually Thursday to Sunday in the second half of July · dates via thestrayferret.co.uk

Mullingar, Westmeath · since 2025

Aims to bring together schools and the wider community.

Usually early July · last held 3–5 July 2026 · no website of its own; dates via visitwestmeath.ie

Penzance, Cornwall

Known as Penzance LitFest, it runs author talks and writing workshops.

Usually early-to-mid July, Tuesday to Saturday · last held 7–11 July 2026 · dates via voicenewspapers.co.uk

Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire

Runs a schools programme and a Young Ambassadors scheme.

Usually a long weekend in July · last held 9–12 July 2026

Celbridge, Kildare · history

Talks and events about Jonathan Swift and Esther Vanhomrigh, the woman he called Vanessa.

Usually about ten days in July · last held 9–19 July 2026

Bristol · since 2026 · family events

Foccal puts it on with Waterstones and the local BID, centred on Clifton Library.

First held 11–12 July 2026 · dates via bristol247.com

Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway

Author talks at the Mill on the Fleet and open mic cabaret nights, run by The Bakehouse Community Arts.

Usually mid-July

Armagh · poetry · politics and ideas

More summer school than festival: lectures, readings, debate and writing workshops.

Usually a week in late July

Rathmullan, Donegal · poetry

Billed as Ireland’s first literary journal fleadh, it runs within Donegal’s Earagail Arts Festival.

Usually a weekend in mid-July, within the Earagail Arts Festival · last held 17–19 July 2026

Preston, Lancashire · family events

Aimed at children and young adults on the University of Lancashire’s Preston campus (formerly UCLan), though adult events were added in 2025.

Usually a single Saturday in July · last held 11 July 2026

Ledbury, Herefordshire · poetry · family events

Claims to be the biggest and joint-oldest poetry festival in the UK, and runs a young people’s programme.

Usually about ten days from late June into early July · last held 26 June – 5 July 2026

Paignton, Devon · since 2026

The summer week is at the Palace Theatre, and the Christmas books weekend is in Torquay.

First held 10–15 August 2026

Rothesay, Argyll and Bute · crime

Held at the Glenburn Hotel, a ferry ride from the mainland.

Usually a weekend in early August · last held 1–3 August 2025 · dates via substack.com

Llangwm, Pembrokeshire · family events

Calls itself Pembrokeshire’s newest literary festival, and runs creative writing and art workshops.

Usually the second weekend of August · last held 7–9 August 2026

Doncaster, South Yorkshire · since 2026

Workshops and author panels, started by a board-game cafe, the Unitarians and a local writers’ group.

First held 12–16 August 2026 · dates via doncasterfreepress.co.uk

Edinburgh · politics and ideas

Three independent bookshops, Lighthouse, Argonaut and Greenhouse Books, run this alternative programme.

Usually mid-to-late August, alongside the Edinburgh festivals · last held 14–30 August 2026

Edinburgh · family events

Runs alongside the city’s other August festivals, with a schools programme of its own.

Usually the second half of August · last held 15–30 August 2026 · dates via edinburgh.org

Islay, Argyll and Bute

An island festival that began life as a book club in Port Ellen.

Usually late August · last held 27–31 August 2026 · dates via literaturealliancescotland.co.uk

Traquair, Scottish Borders · politics and ideas

A festival of art, politics and ideas from a cultural exchange organisation based at Traquair House.

Usually the last weekend of August · last held 29–30 August 2026

Balfron, Stirling · family events

A village festival that pairs its author events with storytelling sessions.

Usually the first weekend of September

Gloucester · history · family events

Talks centred on Blackfriars Priory, some of them free.

Usually the first half of September, with a spring weekend · dates via gloucestershire.gov.uk

Stourpaine, Dorset · poetry

Tears in the Fence magazine holds its own festival in the village hall, near Blandford.

Usually a weekend in September

Torquay, Devon · crime

Walks, films, workshops and performances join the literary talks.

Usually nine days in mid-September, timed to Christie’s birthday

Appledore, Devon · family events

Children’s authors are a strength, and a schools week reaches across Torridge and North Devon.

Usually ten days in the second half of September

Marlborough, Wiltshire · since 2010 · family events

Its free schools talks reach about 1,800 pupils locally.

Usually the last full weekend of September, Thursday to Sunday

Eastbourne, East Sussex

Works with East Sussex College and offers sessions for schools.

First held in 2026

Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway · family events

Scotland’s National Book Town plays host, with a separate Big Wig programme for children.

Usually ten days from late September into early October

Brodick, Isle of Arran, North Ayrshire · since 2024

The grown-up sibling of WeeMac Arran, the island’s children’s festival, held at the Town Hall.

Usually a weekend in early September, though not every year · last held 4–6 September 2026 · dates via scotrail.co.uk

Bristol

Held at the Bristol Folk House, with workshops, author talks and a poetry open mic.

First held 5–6 September 2026

Hawarden, Flintshire · family events

Held at Gladstone’s Library, with fireside music between the author talks.

Usually early September · last held 5–6 September 2025

Nottingham · since 2026

East Midlands authors organise it at Broadway Cinema and mean it to be annual.

First held 5 September 2026 · no website of its own; dates via gofundme.com

Tain, Highland · family events

Books and arts in a royal burgh, plus a school art competition and free trails.

Usually a week in early-to-mid September · last held 8–13 September 2026

Chiswick, London · family events

A Young Poets Competition, with a separate Children’s Story Day planned for March.

Usually mid-September · last held 9–14 September 2026

Edinburgh · since 2024 · family events

My Kind of Book runs it for readers with additional support needs, from the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

Usually two days in mid-September · last held 11–12 September 2026

Chorlton, Manchester · family events

Library-led, with family fun days and, more unusually, a bookish bake off.

Usually September

Stirling · crime

Scotland’s international crime-writing festival, with events in Stirling venues such as the Church of the Holy Rude.

Usually a long weekend in mid-to-late September · last held 18–20 September 2026

Dartmouth, Devon · since 2024

Based at The Flavel arts centre, with a free Friday programme for schools.

Usually a weekend in mid-to-late September · last held 18–20 September 2026 · dates via torbayweekly.co.uk

Morecambe, Lancashire · poetry

The main shows are at the Winter Gardens, and the King’s Arms has a second stage.

Usually a weekend in mid-September · last held 18–20 September 2026 · dates via beyond.radio

Richmond, North Yorkshire · nature writing · family events

Guided Swaledale walks by day and author talks to follow, now in its third decade.

Usually about ten days in the second half of September · last held 18–27 September 2026

Bedford · since 2026 · family events

Hotel venues including the Swan host a showcase of local and independent authors.

First held 18–20 September 2026

Leiston, Suffolk · since 2024

Held in the Leiston Film Theatre and run as a community interest company.

Usually one Saturday in mid-to-late September · last held 19 September 2026 · dates via tickettailor.com

Bangor, County Down · poetry

A council-run festival of Irish writing in Bangor, going for more than three decades.

Usually late September into early October · last held 23 September – 4 October 2026 · dates via ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Budleigh Salterton, Devon · since 2008 · family events

Founded by Susan Ward, it now reaches into schools across East Devon.

Usually Wednesday to Sunday in the second half of September · last held 23–27 September 2026

Dundalk, Louth

Louth’s libraries take it round Ardee, Carlingford, Drogheda, Dundalk and Dunleer.

Usually a week in late September · last held 23–29 September 2026

Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire · fiction

The Graham Greene Birthplace Trust runs it in the novelist’s home town.

Usually four days in late September · last held 24–27 September 2026

Irvine, North Ayrshire

A book festival on the Ayrshire coast.

Usually Thursday to Sunday in late September · last held 24–27 September 2026

Bath, Somerset · family events

Children’s books only, from Bath Festivals.

Usually ten days from late September into early October · last held 25 September – 4 October 2026

Braemar, Aberdeenshire · since 2022

Hosted by The Fife Arms hotel, with The Queen’s Reading Room as partner.

Usually the last weekend of September · last held 25–27 September 2026 · dates via thefifearms.com

Burford, Oxfordshire · since 2021

Kim Harvey of the Madhatter Bookshop launched it.

Usually a weekend in late September · last held 25–27 September 2026

Holmfirth, West Yorkshire · since 2025 · family events

A volunteer community interest company runs it in venues across town, The Civic among them.

Usually a weekend in late September · last held 26–27 September 2026 · dates via crowdfunder.co.uk

Market Harborough, Leicestershire · crime · poetry

An authors’ day in St Dionysius Church, then a crime panel and a poetry party.

First held 26–27 September 2026 · no website of its own; dates via visitleicester.info

Nairn, Highland · family events

Books and arts on the Moray Firth, ending with a parade after the puppet workshops.

Usually nine days from late August into early September · last held 29 August – 6 September 2026