Women’s Prize LIVE is one of our favourite days of the year. It’s unique and the perfect place to meet fellow book-lovers.
It was created because we wanted to get to know you, meet readers face to face, and share the special magic of Bedford Square Gardens. Sadly it’s a once a year experience, but there are plenty of other ways to get to know and support women’s writers. One is to attend another literary festival, and we are blessed in the UK to have some gems. Here are some upcoming literary festivals that are turning up the noise this summer and beyond, and better yet, the mud will be kept to a minimum.
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival
Today until Sunday 21st July
Guarantees thrills, and perhaps a few spills at the hotel bar, at the gathering of crime writing professionals and enthusiasts, authors and readers. Get ready for a criminally good time. Our programme highlights include the inaugural McDermid Debut Award, Shari Lapena in conversation with Liz Nugent and appearances from Women’s Prize judges Dorothy Koomson and Louise Minchin!
Edinburgh International Book Festival
10-25 August
Bringing together over 500 events (in person and online) with the most exciting writers and thinkers to ignite imaginations, foster human connection, and challenge the status quo. Our programme highlights would include Margaret Atwood, Marian Keyes, Kate Atkinson and Irenosen Okojie in conversation with Women’s Prize-winner Naomi Alderman!
Cheltenham Literature Festival
4-13 October
The world’s longest-running literary festival is back and this year marks a rather special occasion as the festival will be celebrating its 75th anniversary. We don’t have programme details yet but check back here soon and we’ll share our highlights.
Manchester Literature Festival
4-20 October
MLF offers unique experiences for audiences to interact with some of the world’s finest writers and thinkers. It’s a welcoming place where people can come together to share their love for language, to learn, reflect and be entertained.
London Literature Festival
23 October – 3 November
Uniting readers of every age to celebrate the written and spoken word with prestigious names alongside rising literary stars, the London Literature Festival takes place at the Southbank Centre. Our programme highlights include Deborah Levy delivering the 2024 New Statesman / Goldsmiths Prize lecture and Women’s Prize-winner Susanna Clarke discussing the 20th anniversary of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.
Chester Literature Festival
24th November – TBC
The festival includes best-selling authors, broadcasters, poets, performers and more, alongside workshops, performances lectures and storytelling throughout November. Highlights from the programme when we have them!
Let us know in the comments, or over on your social platform of choice, which are your favourite festivals and we’ll add them to our list.
