BELFAST FESTIVAL AT QUEEN'S Queen's College 14 - 29 October 2011
2005 saw the Belfast Festival at Queen's reach its 43rd anniversary. Every year, the largest festival of its kind in Ireland brings the best of international art to Belfast and brings international attention to the city's dynamic arts practitioners. The Festival covers all art forms including theatre, dance, classical music, literature, jazz, comedy, visual arts, folk music and popular music. The ever-popular BT Talks programme returns with a host of big names from the worlds of literature- best-selling authors, Joanne Harris, Sue Townsend and Jeanette Winterson. Michael Longley, poet and author Nick Laird and authors Dermot Bolger and Sebastian Barry.
Contact: Grahame Farrow 8 Fitzwilliam Street Belfast BT9 6AW Web links: http://www.belfastfestival.com
BEVERLEY LITERATURE FESTIVAL 6 - 16 October 2011
Ten days of writing, conversation, reading groups, workshops and performances. Poetry highlights at past year's festivals included readings by Michael Longley, George Szirtes and David Harsent. Balancing this poetry line-up, novelists discussing new work and reader's group events included The Looking Glass with Michèle Roberts; world poetry with Pascale Petit; an evening of European crime fiction; Michael Donaghy's poetry. For writers and would-be writers, there are workshops on poetry and the novel, and an open mike competition. The Company of Story Tellers perform a selection of Grimm's Fairytales.
Contact: John Clarke (Festival Director) Wordquake Council Offices Skirlaugh East Riding of Yorkshire HU11 5HN Tel: +44 (0)1482 392745 E-Mail: john.clarke@eastriding.gov.uk Web links: http://www.beverley-literature-festival.org/
BEWDLEY FESTIVAL 8 - 17 October 2011
A general festival with music and entertainment. The festival has a small number of literature events.
Bewdley Festival Society Snuff Mill Warehouse Park Lane Bewdley Worcs DY12 2EL Tel: +44 (0) 1299 404808 Fax: +44 (0) 1299 405517 Web links: http://www.bewdleyfestival.org.uk/index.htm
BIRMINGHAM BOOK FESTIVAL 6 - 16 October 2011
In previous years this festival featured appearances from leading contemporary authors (including Lionel Shriver, Jonathan Coe, Jim Crace), plus a range of special events (book launches, late-night events, installations, canal boat writing, film screenings) and workshops (e.g. writing for radio, travel writing, writing for children).
Contact: Sara Beadle 116 The Custard Factory Gibb Street Birmingham B9 4AA Tel: +44 (0)121 246 2774 | Box Office +44 (0)121 303 2323 Fax: +44 (0)121 246 277 E-Mail: sara@birminghambookfestival.org Web links: http://www.birminghambookfestival.org
BOURNEMOUTH LITERARY FESTIVAL October 2011
An international and multicultural festival that exhibited and introduced new and old fiction and poetry set in an international arena both in original English text and translations with music, dance and drama as a backdrop. The festival prides itself on its interactive activities; this year this multicultural festival celebrates and fuses a 'world of words'.
Contact: Lillian Avon (Chairman) Tel: +44 (0) 1202 417535 Fax: +44 (0)1202 861613 E-Mail: info@bournemouthliteraryfestival.co.uk Web links: http://www.bournemouthliteraryfestival.co.uk
BOOKSCONNECT PEAK FESTIVAL 27 Oct - 11 Nov 2011
The 7th annual Peak literary festival will be held in the Peak District National Park, the second most visited national park in the world with over 22 million visitors per year from 27th October 2011. Authors who have appeared at the Peak Festival events include Louis de Bernières, Marina Lewycka, Lionel Shriver, John Major, Tony Benn, Clare Short, Matthew Parris, Tariq Ali, Anne Fine, Berlie Doherty, Mark Tully, William Dalrymple and Michael Wood.
Contact: Sridhar Gowda Booksconnect Peak Festival Glenwood New Bridge Hope Valley S32 3XT UK
Contact: Sridhar Gowda Tel: +44 (0)1433 639 044 Web links: www.peakfestival.com
BRIDPORT LITERARY FESTIVAL October - November 2011
Writers everywhere will have heard of the Bridport Prize, awarded for over 30 years for a short story and poem. A Literary Festival has grown up around it, taking place in venues across this charming Dorset market town. The two Bridport Prize judges join other authors for an action packed week. Last year they include Rachel Billington, Andrew Graham Dixon, Peter Snow, Matthew Parris and Salley Vickers.
Contact: Tanya Bruce Lockhart (Festival organiser) Bridport Arts Centre South Street Bridport West Dorset DT6 3NRT England
T +44 (0)1308 424204 E-mail: info@bridport-arts.com Web link: www.bridport-arts.com
BURNHAM MARKET BOOK FESTIVAL A weekend of talks from an exciting list of well-known authors 14 16 October 2011
Now into its third year, this small but elegant festival once again welcomes a glittering array of renowned authors spoke at The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market. A favourite haunt of well known writers, playwrights, poets and leading commentators, North-West Norfolk now welcomes some of the UK’s top authors to share their adventures and experiences with a book-loving audience.
Catherine Bennett (organiser) Whitehouse Books The Green Burnham Market Norfolk PE31 8HD T +44 (0)1328 730 270 E-mail: whitehousebooks@yahoo.com Web: www.burnhambookfestival.co.uk
CANTERBURY FESTIVAL International Study Centre 15 - 29 October 2011
International artists, returning favourites and quirky twists on the classics characterise this festival. Alison Weir, Roger McGough and Brian Patten made an appearance at past festivals.
Contact: Rosie Turner (Festival Director) Festival Office Christ Church Gate The Precincts Canterbury Kent CT1 2EE Tel: +44 (0)1227 452853 (Information only) | +44 (0)1227 378188 (Tickets only) Fax: +44 (0)1227 781830 E-Mail: info@canterburyfestival.co.uk Web links: http://www.canterburyfestival.co.uk
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE 7 - 16 October 2011
The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival returns in a celebration of award-winning writers, world-renowned thinkers and international star names – with more than 450 events over the ten day Festival. Once more the Festival welcomes a range of Guest Directors who have each programmed a dynamic series of events. At its heart the Festival rejoices in the joy of books, the thrill of debate and the unique interaction between writer and reader.
Contact: Judith Ludenbach The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival Town Hall Imperial Square Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL50 1QA Tel: +44 (0)844 576 7979 (Box office) E-Mail: judith.ludenbach@cheltenhamfestivals.com Website: http://cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature
CHESTER LITERATURE FESTIVAL 17 - 30 October 2011
From Roman street names and medieval scripts to modern literature. Chester celebrates its 21st year with a mix of top authors, book signings, workshops and events throughout the month.
Katherine Seddon (Festival Manager) Chester Festivals Chester Railway Station 1st Floor West Wing Offices Chester CH1 3NT Telephone: +44 (0)1244 405605 Fax: +44 (0)1244 405601 E-Mail: k.seddon@chesterfestivals.co.uk Website: http://www.chesterfestivals.co.uk/
DSC SOUTH ASIAN LITERATURE FESTIVAL 7 - 24 October 2011
A unique festival that celebrates the rich heritage of storytelling from South Asia; combining literature with art, film, music and performance, exploring the themes that galvanise the subcontinent, and providing a platform for established and emerging voices writing about Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Festival aims to reach new audiences across the UK, with an eye to building links with local communities through schools and libraries.
A fortnight of author discussions, debates, book signing events and all-things-literary, in arts venues across London.
Contacts: Bhavit Mehta and Jon Slack (Festival Directors) Email: info@southasianlitfest.com Web Links: http://www.dscsouthasianlitfest.com
DURHAM BOOK FESTIVAL In and Around Durham October 2011
Now in its 21st year, Durham Book Festival remains the longest running and largest literature festival in the North East of England. Headline events of past years include Jack Dee, Nick Hornby, Marina Lewycka, Amanda Craig, Kate Mosse and Carol Ann Duffy.
Contact: Suzy O’Hara Sheader (Festival and Events Manager) DCA (Durham City Arts) 2 The Cottages Fowlers Yard Back Silver Street Durham DH1 3RA Tel: +44 (0)191 3750763 E-Mail: enquiries@durhamcityarts.org.uk Web links: www.bookfestival.org.uk
DYLAN THOMAS FESTIVAL: A REFUSAL TO MOURN The Dylan Thomas Centre October - November 2011
Dylan Thomas Centre's annual festival, took the theme of the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II last year. Exploring Dylan's war poems, and other writing during this period, as well as celebrating other War poets, and contemporary writing and art of relevance to the theme, in a mixture of readings, talks, theatre, music, art, film and celebrity guests.
Contact: David Woolley The Dylan Thomas Centre Somerset Place Swansea Wales SA1 1RR Tel: +44 (0)1792 463980 Fax: +44 (0)1792 463993 Web links: http://www.dylanthomas.com
ESSEX POETRY FESTIVAL Cramphorn Theatre, Chelmsford 30 September - 8 October 2011
Previous year’s festivals included Daljit Nagra, Catherine Smith, A. F. Harold, Jane Holland andTim Cunningham. There have also been mass workshops and open mic events.
Contact: Derek Adams Poetry in Practice Chelmsford Essex Tel: +44 (0)1702 230596 | +44 (0)207 942 5849 E-Mail: derek@essex-poetry-festival.co.uk Web links: http://www.essex-poetry-festival.co.uk
EYPE AUTUMN 2010 ‘BOOK ‘N AUTHOR’ WEEKS LITERARY FESTIVAL 13 – 21 October 2011
The second of two annual intimate and informal Literary Festivals in a spectacular setting with a cornucopia of top national and local writers presenting their current titles with active audience participation, book sales and signing sessions. Mainly biographies and autobiographies but also historical novels, current affairs, travel and some light entertainment. Provisional programme confirmed authors are Mary S Lovell, Christopher Stevens, John Hare, Nick Barratt and Alison Weir. Previous authors have included Irma Kurtz, Caroline Moorehead, Mary S Lovell, Theodore Dalrymple, Virginia Ironside, Kate Adie, Christopher Booker and Sarah Bakewell amongst others.
Contact: Mark Culme-Seymour (Director) Eype Centre for the Arts Marco Polo House West Bexington Dorchester Dorset DT2 9DE Tel: +44 (0)13089 898420 Mobile: +44 (0)7785 793044 Email: mark@eypechurcharts.co.uk Web: http://www.eypechurcharts.co.uk
EXETER POETRY FESTIVAL 6 - 9 October 2011
A four day celebration of poetry in Exeter, Devon.
Exeter Poetry Festival c/o Cyprus Well Offices Exeter Central Library Castle Street Exeter EX4 3PQ Email: mail@exeterpoetryfestival.com Web: www.exeterpoetryfestival.com
THE FIRST CHAPTER & VERSE LITERATURE FESTIVAL The Bluecoat, Liverpool October 2011
2008 was the first Chapter & Verse literature festival at the Bluecoat. Merseyside’s new literature festival brought a wide selection of events for lovers of words - readings, book signings, talks, discussions, performances and workshops all under its historic roof. Highlights included: Prison readings from acclaimed writers and ex-prisoners Erwin James and John Healy, performance poetry from Lemn Sissay, a talk on the politics of Pakistan and America from political campaigner and novelist Tariq Ali, and a discussion with Liverpool author and Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction 2008 nominee, Linda Grant.
Contact: Helen Andrews (Marketing Officer) The Bluecoat School Lane Liverpool L1 3BX Tel: +44 (0)151 702 5324 E-Mail: Helen.a@thebluecoat.org.uk Website: www.thebluecoat.org.uk
FRINTON LITERARY FESTIVAL 6 - 9 October 2011
Our 10th Anniversary Programme includes:
An Evening with members of Frinton Summer Theatre, an interview with Peter Sissons, Lunch with bestselling author Sophie Hannah, an Evening with Allan Mallinson, A guided walk with Peter Caton author of Essex Coast Walk and Afternoon Tea with Gervase Phinn.
Contact name: Sally Johnson Caxton Books & Gallery 37 Connaught Avenue Frinton on Sea, Essex CO13 9PN Tel: +44 (0)1255 851505 E-Mail: books@caxtons37.wanadoo.co.uk Web link: www.caxton-books.co.uk
GRAHAM GREENE FESTIVAL 29 September - 2 October 2011
A festival celebrating the life and work of Graham Greene featuring a mixture of films, talks and other events.
Contact: Ken Sherwood (The Secretary) The Graham Greene Birthplace Trust Rhenigidale Ivy House Lane Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 2PP Tel: +44 (0)1442 865158 E-Mail: secretary@grahamgreenebt.org Web links: http://www.grahamgreenebt.org
GUILDFORD BOOK FESTIVAL 13 – 22 October 2011
The exciting line-up includes speakers such as Barry Cryer, Pam Ayres, Bel Mooney, Steve Furst, Martin Bell, Deborah Bull, Helen Simonson, Johnny Ball, Penny Jordan, Francine Stock and Hallie Rubenhold.
Contact: Glenis Pycraft (Festival Director) C/o Tourist Information Centre 14 Tunsgate Guildford Surrey GU1 3QT Tel: +44 (0)1483 444334 Fax: +44 (0)1483 225388 E-Mail: director@guildfordbookfestival.co.uk Web links: http://www.guildfordbookfestival.co.uk
HAVANT LITERARY FESTIVAL AUTUMN EVENTS 22 - 25 October 2011
2010 Highlights included Tim Butcher (best-selling author of 'Blood River'), novelist Stella Duffy; a panel of crime writers; an evening of poetry and culminating in an evening cabaret of local talent, including Dynamo, a SuperNova play from The Bench; and comedy from professional theatre company, SOOP. For full programme see website below.
PO Box 231 Havant, Hampshire PO 9DU Contact: Sian Bamber E-Mail: 2009hlfhavant@googlemail.com Web links: www.havantlitfest.org.uk
HENLEY LITERARY FESTIVAL 28 September - 2 October 2011
The 5th Henley Literary Festival is set to be bigger and better than ever. Last year appearances from the likes of Melvyn Bragg, Antonia Fraser and Craig Brown were among the 100 events held throughout the town at a range of venues including the Kenton Theatre and the River and Rowing Museum.
14 Friday Street Henley-on-Thames Oxfordshire RG9 1AH Tel: +44(0)1189 724 700 E-mail: info@henleylitfestival.co.uk Web links: www.henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk
ILKLEY LITERATURE FESTIVAL Ilkley Playhouse 30 - 16 October 2011
This festival includes top national and international names, authors events, discussions, workshops, poetry and short story competitions, literary walks, Festival Fringe, readers' events, a popular Open Mic, a Children's Literature Festival Weekend and special events for National Poetry Day.
Contact: Rachel Feldberg (Director) The Manor House 2 Castle Hill Ilkley West Yorkshire LS29 9DT Tel: +44 (0)1943 601210 | +44 (0)1943 816714 (Box Office) Fax: +44 (0)1943 817079 E-Mail: admin@ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk Web links: http://www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk
KNUTSFORD LITERATURE FESTIVAL 7 - 22 October 2011
Last year's programme can be found on our website (link below).
Contact: Julia Jary Web-links: www.knutsfordlitfest.org
LANCASTER LITFEST Dukes Theatre on Moor Lane October 2011
Poetry and fiction with a programme of readings, which in the past has included Atukwei Okai, Maggie Gee, Trevor Griffiths, Peter Plate, Jackee Batanda, Bernardine Evaristo, Diran Adebayo, Rodge Glass, Vicki Feaver and Robert Crawford. Details yet to come of this year's festival.
Contact: Andy Darby (Artistic Director) Litfest PO Box 751 Lancaster LA1 1YQ Tel: +44 (0)1524 62166/+44 (0)1524 598500 (Duke's Theatre Box Office) Fax: +44 (0)1524 841216 E-Mail: alllitfest.org Web links: http://www.litfest.org
LEWES LIVE LITERATURE FESTIVAL October 2011
Lewes Live Literature presents its annual autumn festival of literature and the arts, as ever featuring an eclectic mix of performance and spoken word events.
Contact: (Marketing Manager) PO Box 2766 Lewes East Sussex BN7 2WF Tel: +44 (0)797 203 7612 E-Mail: info@leweslivelit.co.uk Web links: www.leweslivelit.co.uk
LIT.COM October 2011
A lighter literature festival featuring guest authors and poets, professional children's theatre productions, workshops and film screenings as well as the best in UK stand up.
Contact: Charlotte Bowen (Arts Development Officer) Cultural Services North East Lincolnshire Council Origin One 1 Origin Way Europarc Grimsby North East Lincolnshire DN37 9TZ Tel: +44 (0)1472 323382 Fax: +44 (0)1472 323377 E-Mail: charlotte.bowen@nelincs.gov.uk Web links: http://www.nelincs.gov.uk/leisure/arts
LIVERPOOL IRISH FESTIVAL Venues across the city 14 - 30 October 2011
The Liverpool Irish Festival Society has developed a permanent, annual, multiple venue event to celebrate Liverpool's considerable Irish heritage. The festival includes performance, participation, entertainment and education in Irish traditions, music, literature, theatre and art.
Contact: Owen Hagan Liverpool Irish Festival Liverpool Merseyside L18 6HW Tel: +44 (0)775 945 1645 E-Mail: info@liverpoolirishfestival.com Web links: http://www.liverpoolirishfestival.com
MANCHESTER LITERATURE FESTIVAL 10 - 23 October 2011
The programme will feature readings by some of the world's finest authors and newly commissioned work.
Contact: Cathy Bolton (Director) Beehive Mill Jersey Street Manchester M4 6JG Tel: +44 (0)161 236 5555 E-Mail: admin@manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk Web links: http://www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk
MERE LITERARY FESTIVAL 10 - 16 October 2011
A small literary festival that includes events, talks, workshops and a short story competition.
Contact: Adrienne Howell (Festival Organiser) Lawrence’s Old Hollow Mere Wiltshire BA12 6EG Tel: +44 (0)1747 860475 E-Mail: info@merelitfest.co.uk Web links: http://www.merelitfest.co.uk
MORLEY LITERATURE FESTIVAL Morley, Leeds 11 - 17 October 2011
Headlining authors in the past include: Kate Adie, Tony Hawks and Gervase Phinn. Talks by other prestigious authors, workshops and children's events.
Contact: Jill Morris c/o Morley Town Hall Morley Leeds LS27 9DY Tel: +44 (0)113 2474370 Fax: +44 (0)113 2474216 Web: www.morleyliteraturefestival.co.uk/ E-Mail: jill@morleyliteraturefestival.co.uk
NORTH PENNINES STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Eden, Tynedale, Teesdale and Weardale October 2011
The Festival, now in its 17th year, has attracted well over 10,000 people since it first started. Previous years have featured Tyneside storytellers Chris Bostock, Pat Renton, Malcolm Green and Pascale Konyn. Further guests to be confirmed.
Contact: Jules Cadie (Festival Co-ordinator) Teesdale House Galgate Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8EZ Tel: +44 (0)845 3454463 E-Mail: arts@teesdale.gov.uk Web links: http://www.npenninestorytelling.org.uk
POOLE LITERARY FESTIVAL October 2012
The inaugural Poole Literary Festival offered the chance to meet leading authors, attend discussions, storytelling events, literary walks, workshops and much more in the historic Dorset seaside town. With events for adults, children and families, Poole Literary Festival looks set to put the town firmly on the literary map.
Sue Luminati 14 Dover Road Branksome Park Poole Dorset BH13 6DZ Tel +44 (0)1202 768993 Email: admin@poolelitfest.com Website: www.poolelitfest.com
TORBAY POETRY FESTIVAL October 2011
A long weekend devoted to poetry through readings, workshops, and various imaginative events. Usually 20 - 25 events, many free, combining local and national poets.
Contact: Patricia Oxley 6 The Mount Brixham Devon TQ5 8QY Tel: +44 (0)1803 851 098 Email: PWOxley@aol.com
Sentinel Literature Festival 28 -31 October 2011
First held in December 2009 at the University College, London this festival features readings and performances of poetry, fiction, drama and comedy. There will also be lectures and talks that will educate and inspire our audiences.
Contact: Lookman Sanusi Sentinel Literature Festival Unit 136 113-115 George Lane London E18 1AB England Tel: +44 7812 755 751 E-mail: lookman.sanusi@sentinelpoetry.org.uk Further details & tickets: www.sentinelpoetry.org.uk/literaturefestival
SEVENOAKS LITERARY CELEBRATION September - October 2011
Previous Sevenoaks Literary Celebrations attracted full houses to most events and much critical appreciation. Speakers have included Lionel Shriver, John Mullan and Malorie Blackman, and in 2006 the festival closed with a Dickens Day with John Sutherland as key speaker.
Contact: John Morrison (Publicity) Tel: +44 (0)1732-454536 E-mail: johnmmorrison7@aol.com Web links: http://www.sevenoaksliterarycelebration.com/
WARWICK WORDS - FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE AND SPOKEN WORD 1 - 9 October 2011
A long weekend festival which holds a poetry competition to find the Warwick Poet Laureate, and creative writing workshops. The festival also features performances, a literary lunch, Warwick slam competition, afternoon teas, talks and workshops, children’s book fair, a poetry pub crawl and lots more.
Contact: Helen Meeke - Festival Co-ordinator Tel: +44 (0)1926 427 056 Fax: +44 (0)1926 427056 Email: info@warwickwords.co.uk Web links: http://warwickwords.co.uk
WELLS FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE 11 - 21 October 2011
Lectures, readings, children's events, poetry workshop and international poetry and short story competitions. Poetry and story judges.
Wells Tourist Information Centre Town Hall Wells Somerset BA5 1SE Tel: +44 (0)1749 672552 E-Mail: touristinfo@wells.gov.uk Web links: http://www.wlitf.co.uk
WOLDS WORDS October 2011
This annual literature festival that captures the imagination and excitement of local people is just around the corner and this year’s event will be just as action packed and as exciting as ever before, with a programme of special events to entertain and educate the whole family. The festival will be held at venues across East Lindsey, including Louth, Alford, Skegness, Burgh le Marsh, Wainfleet, Horncastle, Wragby, Mablethorpe, Spilsby, Coningsby, Tattershall, Woodhall Spa and Sutton on Sea.
Web links: www.woldswords.org.uk
WONDERFULWORDS - CORNWALL LIBRARY BOOK FESTIVAL October 2011
The countywide festival comprises of children's literary events during September, a week long Poetry Festival in early October along with a month of adult literary events throughout October.
Contact: Rebecca Rowland Cornwall Library Service Bude Library The Wharf Bude Cornwall EX23 8LG Tel: +44 (0)1288 359242 Fax: +44 (0)1288 355176 E-Mail: rrowland@cornwall.gov.uk Web links: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/library
WOODSTOCK CELEBRATES BOOKS Various venues around Oxfordshire including Blenheim Palace and Oxfordshire Musem October 2011
Past festivals have included Stefan Buczacki, The Folio Society, A. A. Gill, Daisy Goodwin. Max Hastings, Godfrey Howard, Douglas Hurd, Martin Kemp, John Mortimer, Philip Pullman, D. J. Taylor, Lynne Truss, Mark Urban and many more.
To Book Tickets Tel: +44 (0)1993813632
WORDSWORTH TRUST - POETRY SEASON July - October 2011
Various readings are held at St Martin's Students Union Bar, Ambleside. Poets have included Gillian Allnutt, Simon Armitage, Jackie Kay, Jacob Polley, Geraldine Green and more. Refer to the website or the contact details to obtain further information.
Contact: Andrew Forster (Arts Officer) The Wordsworth Trust Dove Cottage Grasmere Cumbria LA22 9SH Tel: +44 (0)15394 35544 Fax: +44 (0)15394 63503 E-Mail: enquiries@wordsworth.org.uk Web links: http://www.wordsworth.org.uk
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