Festival Events

The festival programme brings together an exciting mix of established and emerging voices from the world of literature and spoken word. Across multiple venues in the city centre, audiences can discover everything from poetry slams and live storytelling to intimate conversations with novelists and playwrights. Each event is carefully curated to spark connection and conversation, whether you are a lifelong book lover or someone simply curious about the power of words. The atmosphere is warm, inclusive, and full of creative energy, with performances and workshops designed to inspire and challenge in equal measure.

For those eager to try their own hand at writing, the festival offers a range of participatory workshops led by experienced practitioners. These sessions cover diverse forms including fiction, poetry, memoir, and even comedy writing, making them accessible to beginners and seasoned writers alike. Small group sizes ensure plenty of individual guidance and encouragement, while the relaxed setting helps participants feel comfortable sharing their work. It is a rare chance to learn new techniques, meet like-minded people, and leave with fresh ideas and renewed confidence in your creative voice.

Beyond the main stage events, the festival spills into cafés, libraries, theatres, and other unexpected spaces around town, creating a vibrant tapestry of literary encounters. Audiences might find themselves enjoying a lunchtime reading in a bookshop, an evening of crime fiction aboard a historic vessel, or a family-friendly storytelling session in a community hub. This spread of locations reflects the festival's belief that words belong everywhere and that everyone should have the chance to experience live literature in a setting that feels welcoming and accessible to them.

Special attention is given to showcasing new talent and underrepresented perspectives, ensuring the programme reflects the rich diversity of contemporary writing. From debut novelists sharing their first published work to poets exploring themes of identity, place, and belonging, the festival platform amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard. Panel discussions and Q&A sessions provide audiences with the opportunity to engage directly with authors, asking the questions that matter to them. These moments of genuine exchange are at the heart of what makes the festival such a memorable and meaningful experience for all who attend.