Theakstons Old Peculier crime writing festival, Harrogate, 16-19 July
The setting – the Old Swan hotel in Harrogate – should be enough of a draw in itself for crime fiction fans (it was where Agatha Christie was found, alive and thoroughly enjoying the town’s charms, after her mysterious disappearance in 1926). This year, it’s the women who stand out – TV writer Sally Wainwright talks cop shows, while Val McDermid interviews author Sara Paretsky.
Edinburgh international book festival, 15-31 August
Each year more than 800 writers and thinkers are invited to share their love of literature in Edinburgh. Expect heavyweights when the lineup is announced on 10 June – previous years have featured Margaret Atwood, Harold Pinter, Toni Morrison and Hilary Mantel.
Port Eliot festival, Cornwall, 30 July-2 August
Bohemian and fashionable, with good food and music, there is more to this weekend festival than words, though if it’s words you want, this year’s offering is eclectic and intriguing, from established writers such as Sarah Waters and Simon Armitage, to politician-turned-memoirist Alan Johnson and comedian Sara Pascoe.
Cheltenham festival of literature, 2-11 October
One of the oldest literary festivals in the world, it’s also one of the biggest, with more than 600 writers, poets and public figures taking part in hundreds of events. As it’s an autumn event, the programme hasn’t been released, but you can be sure some of the biggest names will be there (Doris Lessing, Ian McEwan and Stephen Hawking have all appeared at the festival).
Manchester literature festival, 12-25 October
A celebration of established authors and up-and-coming writers, this festival, now in its 10th year, has become a draw for book-lovers. Another one yet to announce its lineup, but the quality of its literary stars last year – Martin Amis, Margaret Drabble, Will Self and Blake Morrison among them – give you an idea of what to expect.
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