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Ben Robinson discovers the literary delights on offer at Durham Book Festival
Image: Rebecca F. Kuang by Mike Styer
For book lovers like myself, the Durham Book Festival is the ultimate event. From Thursday 10th-Sunday 13th October, the city becomes a literary paradise as many celebrated writers travel to Durham for the annual festival of the written word. With over 35 events across three days, there’s something for every genre enthusiast to enjoy. Held at three venues – Gala Theatre, Clayport Library and Collected Books, plus events at Gala Theatre will also be livestreamed, ensuring no book lover is left behind. This year’s line-up features the likes of Sunderland-born Terry Deary, the author behind the iconic Horrible Histories series, as well as Helen Fielding, famed for creating the beloved ‘chick lit’ genre with her Bridget Jones novels. With dozens of talented authors, the festival is sure to captivate readers of all kinds, providing both entertainment and inspiration – all set against the backdrop of one of the region’s most beautiful cities.
Homegrown Talent
What would the Durham Book Festival be without its showcase of brilliant local authors? The festival features North East talent like Terry Deary, whose Horrible Histories series has been a critical and commercial success. Deary, now with his first adult book A History of Britain in Ten Enemies, will speak about his impressive career, which began in the 1970s and has since seen over 38 million books sold worldwide.
A Global Affair
The festival is an international celebration too. Bestselling American authors Jodi Picoult and Rebecca F. Kuang will be among the festival’s highlights, sharing insights into their incredible works. The acclaimed author Jodi Picoult, who has written 30 novels and sold over 40 million copies worldwide, will discuss her latest novel, By Any Other Name. Meanwhile, Rebecca F. Kuang, whose Yellowface became an instant #1 Sunday Times bestseller and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, will delve into her sharp, witty novel about the trials of journalist June Hayward. Other noteworthy authors gracing the festival include acclaimed author Pat Barker, humorist Craig Brown, and the renowned Edith Hall.
Weekend Workshops
If you’re a writer looking to hone some skills or learn more about how to write a certain genre then there are plenty of workshops for you. Aspiring authors can learn from established writers on how to craft compelling stories, develop characters and write for specific genres. There’s a workshop dedicated to writing for middle-grade readers, while crime fiction writer Cathi Unsworth will host a session on how to create suspense-filled crime novels. For budding authors, these workshops are a golden opportunity to enhance your craft.
Celebrating Poetry
Durham Book Festival goes beyond novels – it’s a hub for poetry lovers too. Stand-up poet Kate Fox, known for her neurodiverse perspective, will bring her captivating poetry to the event. The festival will also host the prestigious Forward Prizes For Poetry, one of the UK’s most significant poetry awards ceremonies, where top poets from across the country are recognised. Additionally, Scottish poet Jackie Kay will present her latest collection, May Day, which reflects on major social movements, from women’s rights and gay liberation in the 1980s to today’s Black Lives Matter campaigns.
