One of Northumberland’s best-known book festivals returns with a packed ten-day programme this spring.
The Hexham Book Festival returns at the end of April with authors, journalists, politicians and poets all set to give talks throughout the festival’s run in the Northumberland market town. 55 events are set to take place across the programme, including film screenings, writing workshops and book group events.
Established in 2006, tens of thousands of people have descended on the town during book festivals over the years, with 2023’s event the first to hit pre-pandemic levels. This year will have a focus on the upcoming UK and US elections, with politicians and commentators such as Wes Streeting, Ian Dunt, Nigel Fletcher and Will Hutton coming to Northumberland.
International politics are also on the agenda, with Robin Niblett discussing China, Subhadra Das on beliefs that founded the West and Liam Fox on the wars over water which could come in the future. In terms of society, and what it may look like in future, Cathy Newman looks at women who broke the mould; Marianna Spring talks about online trolling and hate; Suzanne Heywood reveals the impact of a very unorthodox child; and Helen Russell shares what raising a child in Scandinavia looks like.
There will also be more light-hearted talks, with farmer’s wife Helen Rebanks talking about life on the farm with her husband James in Cumbria; broadcaster and writer Stuart Maconie gives his thoughts on walking across England; and food writer Pen Vogler brings her history of good food to west Northumberland.
Fiction lovers can check out the traditional Hexham Book Group discussion, or head to an exclusive Proof Party where the audience will leave with three books that aren’t published until August. The Essex Serpent novelist Sarah Perry will be in conversation with fellow novelist Sarah Hall, who penned Haweswater.
Lastly, poetry lovers can see festival favourite Jackie Kay return with her first collection in nearly a decade, while Imtiaz Dharker and Len Pennie will give performances. And in a special event sponsored by the Biscuit Factory, Kathleen Jamie and Lavinia Greenlaw will present work together.
Susie Troup, director of Hexham Book Festival, said: “We’re thrilled so many wonderful writers, journalists, politicians and poets are coming to Hexham to headline events, and we can’t wait to hear what they have to say – especially in an election year, there’s a lot to talk about!”
Hexham Book Festival takes place from April 26 – May 5, while Storyland, the Hexham Book Festival Family Day, will take place on Saturday, June 29, followed by the Schools Festival from July 1 – 5. The full programme of 55 events, including writing workshops and interactive events is available at the Hexham Book Festival website.
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