Literature Festivals: Why You Should Go
As an often over-zealous bookworm I have been known to seek out these events where upon I can go and track down my favourite authors. It is an opportunity for me to rub shoulders with other geeky types who have namely one thing in common with me – BOOKS!
Whilst others may spend their time seeking out the rich and famous of the entertainment and sports world, I have been known to spot an author at ten paces, meaning that when attending one of these events, not only do I enjoy the lectures and workshops but I also enjoy the social element. I have sat in many a beer tent, often with my poor husband in tow, reeling off authors and their books to my none-the-wise spouse.
How many people can say that they frequently get to spend time with their idols? Well, when visiting a literature festival this is often one of the biggest draws.
It is also a place to find up-and-coming authors; authors that you have perhaps never heard of or are unsure about. This is their opportunity to shine. Not only will you find them giving talks, taking part in panels but you will also find them promoting their latest work – sometimes with freebies attached.
I have lost count of the amount of free books I have picked up on occasions like this – if there is a goodie bag floating around I make a beeline for it, because, well quite frankly you just never know what gems might be inside.
During a trip to the Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate one year, I managed to snap up several proof copies of books, meaning that I was reading a potential best-seller before it ever hit the bookshops.
As a book junkie this alone is reason to attend a literature festival.
However, no two literature festivals are alike, meaning that, in order to fully experience the writing world you need to attend them all.
So, why should you attend the festival in York?
10 Reasons to visit the York Literature Festival
#1 2016 Set to be the Most Diverse Literature Festival Ever
Miles Salter, Festival Director, believes that 2016 is set to be the best literature festival to date. The programme contributors say that this year ‘there is something for everybody’, and from what I can see, they really have covered everything. From creative writing workshops, poetry recitals, theatre productions, comedy, thoughts on feminism, talks from many prominent writers and a fully interactive children’s programme I am struggling to see what they have missed.
#2 The VIP Festival Launch
Linda Grant, Pamela Hartshorne and Leigh Russell
York has always been an inspiring city for authors. Daniel Defoe, Charles Dickens, W.H. Auden, the Bronté Sisters and in more recent time Kate Atkinson, have all been influenced by their time spent wandering the historic, narrow streets.
This year, the festival has decided to explore this further, asking three different novelists how York has impacted on their writing. Join Linda Grant, Pamela Hartshorne and Leigh Russell for an entertaining evening of discussion, wine and canapés.
You never know, if you are a budding author, perhaps you too will grow in creativity whilst visiting the city.
(Event: Thursday 10th March, 7pm. Ticket Price of £10 to include wine and canapés).
#3 Wendy Cope
Wendy Cope
Known for her perceptive love poems and parodies, Wendy Cope’s poetry has become extremely popular in recent years. Since 1986, when her acclaimed poetry collection Making Cocoa for Kingsley Amis
Do you fancy yourself as a poet? Why not enter the YorkMix Poetry competition – you could win £500.
(Event: Saturday 12th March, 3pm. Ticket Price is £11.90 when paying in cash, extra fees incurred when paying by card).
#4 Writing Workshops
Want to know how to become a successful writer? Then why are you not attending one of the many writing workshops available at this year’s Literature Festival. From poetry to Sci-Fi, to Comedy, several genres are being covered this year. There is even a workshop entitled ‘How not to submit your manuscript’, which for many promising authors is their biggest stumbling block.
Why not make this the year when you take the leap into becoming the author you have always dreamt about.
(Events include: Poetry workshop with Lemn Sissay – 27th February , 3.30pm; York Novelists Workshop: From Ideas to Publication – 12th March, 10.30am; How Not to Submit Your Manuscript – 12th March, 12 noon; We’re not in Kansas Anymore: Creating Engaging Worlds in Fiction Writing – 14th March, 10am; Writing Comedy: The Art of Stand Up – 14th March, 7pm; Sci-Fi Workshop with Adam Roberts – 16th March, 2pm. Tickets vary in price from £0-£25).
#5 Arthur Smith
Arthur Smith
Well-known playwright and countdown wordsmith, Arthur Smith is probably best known for his award winning plays An Evening with Gary Lineker
and My Summer with Des. He has also presented shows on both Radio 2 & 4, and openly describes himself as BBC Radio 4’s ‘bit of rough’. This is guaranteed to be a laugh-out-loud evening to remember.
(Event: 12th March, 7.30pm. Ticket £19.90 when paying in cash, paying by card with incur charges).
#6 Val McDermid
Val McDermid
No bookworm with a thing for crime novels will want to turn down an evening with Val McDermid.
Known for creating many notable characters including, my personal favourite, Tony Hill
(Event: 13th March, 7pm. Tickets cost £10 which includes refreshments and time for book signing).
#7 A Literary Walk
York Minster
Why not take a guided walk around the city of York with a knowledgeable guide who is able to point out all the sites of literary merit. Discover more about your favourite authors, where they lived and what inspired them. Whether you prefer the classics or something more modern there is something included for everyone.
What better way to unearth the secrets of some of York’s most remembered writers.
(Event: 14th & 20th March, 10.30am. Tickets cost £6, £5 for York Card holders and Students – pay the guide on the day).
#8 A Book Quiz!
Who doesn’t enjoy a good quiz, and I am assuming that if you are thinking of attending a Literature Festival you like reading, right? So what better way to show off you knowledge, then pitting your brain cells against others in a bid to not only show them that you know more about great books but also for a chance to win £80 of book tokens.
Each team can have up to 4 members – so what are you waiting for, get your most knowledgeable friends together for an evening of fun and laughter, plus obviously a question or two about all things literature related.
(Event: 16th March, 8pm. Entry price is £3).
#9 Calling All Jane Austen Fans
Jane Austen
With not one, but two events dedicated to possibly the most loved of all classic romance writers, any Jane Austen
Starting with an afternoon exploring the ideas behind the classic Emma, looking at Jane Austen’s response to an England in the aftermath of the Napoleonic wars we move on to an evening of Austen’s women. This is a show where 13 of Jane Austen’s heroines come to life in order to revisit some of literature’s most celebrated works.
(Events: Austen Society Lecture – 19th March, 2pm. Ticket price £8 including refreshments; Austen’s Women – 22nd/23rd March, 7pm. Tickets cost £12).
#10 Fun For All The Family
To celebrate the success of many York writers, this year the Literature Festival is putting on a day of fun tailored towards families.
You will be able to meet Ros Beardshaw, illustrator behind many books including Just Right For Two
Then you can spend time with illustrator, Sam Zuppardi, who likes to create pictures out of many things including watercolour and ink before being entertained by Craig Bradley.
Last up is Kjartan Poskitt, best known for his Agatha Parrot Series
On top of this there will be many other things to keep your little munchkins happy throughout the day including Minecraft, Lego and Crafts whilst adults can seek sanctuary in the library cafe fully stocked with drinks and snacks to keep you going all day.
(Event: 20th March, from 11am – priced per event).
As you can see, this Literature Festival promises to be informative, entertaining and family-friendly.
Spread over 13 days, the York Literature Festival is jammed pack with Author appearances, theatre shows and workshops.
If you enjoy a city break with a literary twist, this is definitely the Literature Festival for you.
The only question remaining – which events will you be attending?
For a Full list of Events check out the York Literature Festival in connection with Baille Gifford website or use the hashtag #YorkLitFest on twitter to stay up to date with all the latest news.
How Can We Entice You Further?
Enter To WIN a Prize Worth over £100!!!
Why not enter our fabulous new giveaway for a chance to win a pair of tickets to see Crime Writer Val McDermid at the York Literature Festival on the 13th March.
On top of this we will be throwing in 2 York Passes (worth £96) and £30 worth of Book Tokens.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
T & C: All participants must be in the UK on the date above in order to claim the prize, no cash alternative is available.
Competition closes: 6th March at 12am (GMT) – Good Luck!
We would like to thank VisitYork.org for providing all prizes for this giveaway.
I would love to see Arthur Smith and do the Literary walk
We did the literary walk and absolutely loved it 🙂
I’d love to go and make a lovely long weekend of it. I love all types of literary genre, this would be very special 🙂
I think a long weekend would be a great length of time to visit – the hardest problem will be decided what to see over that period of time! 😀
I’ve been a fan of Arthur Smith for a long time, would love to see him live
This would be a great event to go and see if you are a fan!
I would like to win because I love York it’s an amazing historical and beautiful city and there is nothing more relaxing than reading a good book.
One of my favourite cities and one of my favourite pastimes.
York is one of the most characterful cities we have ever visited. Such a great place to spend time and so much going on if you enjoy reading.
I’ve never been to one and it sounds like fun
If you enjoy reading these are great events
My love of books and York make it sound a great ideal event for myself and my wife to enjoy Thanks
These are great events if you enjoy reading and chatting to others about your favourite authors.
Sounds like a great event
Literature festivals are always enjoyable. I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys reading.
I love York, and I love Val McDermid’s books!
Val McDermid’s books are some of my all time favourites as well. I have seen her talk before and can’t wait to see her again.
It looks like a great day out, and there are a fab range of authors too!
This year there is a brilliant mix of authors and genres represented at the festival – this difficulty is knowing which events to go to! 🙂
Sounds like a wonderful event.
Literature festivals are always very enjoyable.
looks very interesting
Literature festivals are always interesting places to visit! 🙂
I love literary festivals and I long to visit York
York really is a very beautiful city. I can wander the streets for hours just looking at the wonderful buildings.
I’ve not been to a literary festival but I love reading and would love to meet some of the authors!
If you want to meet authors both literature festivals and book signings are a great way to achieve this – they seem to flock to these events even when they are not talking themselves but as support for their fellow writers.
I would love to go to this festival to get some tips on writing from other authors
I think festivals like this are a great way to gain knowledge from those that have honed their skills. 🙂
for a fun day out
It will definitely be a fun day out!
Great to support local events and I LOVE Val McDermid
Val McDermid is a fantastic author, one of my favourite crime writers.
I love books & this festival is actually relatively near me so it would be great to go!
Glad to hear others would enjoy an event like this one – good luck with the competition! 🙂
Because it’s York. Because it’s Literature. Because it’s a Festival!
I couldn’t have put it any better myself! 🙂
Wow, this sounds like an amazing event! I had no idea about this and I live in Newcastle. I am definitely considering it now. Thank you for sharing!
Does Newcastle have an event as well?
Like York, and also enjoy reading books. So could combine the two.
York is a fantastic city! 🙂
Love books and love York. I have never been to a Literary Festival.
I highly recommend a literature festival if you enjoy reading. Spending time listening to authors is a great way to spend time.
I’m a big big reader and this would really benefit me xx
If you enjoy reading you will love this!
I’d love to attend because it’s a beautiful city in itself and there’s nothing better than reading!
York really is beautiful – from the old streets to the towering York Minster this is a city you can’t help but fall in love with! 🙂
Oh how I would love to attend an event like this! I’d love the goody bag, the writing workshops and the literary walk! Amazing. Maybe when my kids are a little older.
One of the reasons I love this event is because it is so family friendly. There are so many events going on it offers something for all ages.
I’ve never been but love reading books.
I love these festivals and if you enjoy reading I am sure you will enjoy them as well.
How cool! I actually didn’t know there are literary festivals but I would love to attend one. I love reading books and currently have a goal of reading 150 books this year! If there’s a literary festivals near my area or if I ever find myself in York, I would love to attend!
Good Luck with your reading goal – 150 books is a huge target. Many areas do run a literary festival each year although some are far bigger than others. I often spend my time seeking out new ones to visit.
Sounds like a wonderful event. Worth looking into to see if we have one closer to home!
Literary events take place across the country so I am sure that there will be one floating about near you. Let me know if you find one and what it was like.
well doesn’t this look like a good time – I should see if they have these in my area
There are many literature festivals around the country and indeed the world, so I hope you can find one close to you. They really are very enjoyable.
I had no idea that literature festivals existed. I would love to attend a writing workshop. I wish I lived in the area.
There may well be a festival close to home for you. They appear at various times across the world throughout the year.
I like the idea of a writing festival at the book conference. It kind of just flows together nicely.
I think it highlights that a literature festival is actually far more than just going to see authros talking about their work. It is also an event for budding authors looking to hone their skills further.
I have never been to a literature festival before. Definitely sounds great for the book lover!
If you are a bookworm, this is the place to be! 😀
What an awesome event. I love things like this. Especially since I’m an English major. Unfortunately I don’t live in the area. Sounds like a blast though.
There may well be some events closer to home that could be worth looking into. I studied English at Uni and so this is my ideal festival to attend.
Wow! This looks like an amazing event.I’d love to do the literary walk!
We recently completed the literary walk and loved every minute of it.
My husband would be in heaven at a lit fest! It sounds right up his alley!
It really is my ideal place to be. Glad there are others out there as well that would enjoy it.
I would love the opportunity to attend this! One can never have too many books in the library!
I agree – you can never have too many books!
I think I’d only need one reason – that I’d be in total heaven at a literature festival, much less this one. I wish I lived closer! Perhaps someday.
I think it is going to be a great event 🙂
I have never been to a literature festival, but from the looks of it, I obviously belong there! How cool that they also have writer workshops!
I love the idea of writer workshops – what a great way to develop your skills further.
I bet that was a fun time! I LOVE to read! I was such an avid reader but now with a business and 5 kids…time is so slim, I haven’t had a chance to get into a good book in years. I am looking forward to getting some me-time back!
Wow, you sound extremely busy. I am not sure I would have time to read either if I was in the same position as you.
this is my kind of event. I would be in paradise to hang out here.
Paradise is such a great way to descibe a literary festival. That’s how I feel as well.
Wow sounds brilliant love reading and learning all about the writers
This would be amazing
Thankyou
I love finding out more about gret authors, and what better way than to hear them talking.
I know someone who would love to attend this that is for sure.
It’s always great to hear that there are others out there that would enjoy these events as much as I do.
Cool post – wish I didn’t live so far away
Thats the frustration I often have – I find so many great literature festivals on line but they can be miles away from me!
I would be in heaven at a literature festival. I’ve not gone to one yet but I’d really love to. Thank you for the info and giveaway.
They are my idea of heaven as well. IT’s great to hear so many other people emjoy these sorts of events as well. 🙂
This looks like a fun-filled event! And what a nice giveaway!
There are some great things taking place during this literature festival! 🙂
I have never been to a literature festival. I want to win this giveaway.
They are great fun and so social! Good Luck with the giveaway! 🙂
What a great giveaway! Fingers crossed!!!
Good Luck with the competition! 🙂
It would be nice to be able to go to an event like this. Books and literature are rarely celebrated these days!
I love literature festivals they are a great way to discover new authors! 🙂
What a great post and it looks a great event
Thanks for the comments about the post – I think it will be a great festival!
I love Carol Ann Duffy she is fantastic and the literary walk sounds like my kinda thing. I own over 1,000 books lol!
I have had to stop buying so many books because I have so many 😀 I am now trying to read e-books instead but they are not the same! I am really looking forward to the literary walk.
Sounds great event! I love reading, so it would be nice to go to the literature festival! Thanks for sharing 🙂
For anyone that loves reading this is a great festival to attend!
What a wonderful post and event!! I LOVE to read, yet I’ve never been to a literature festival. Must correct this!
Sounds like a great day! I’m over here stuck in the States and wouldn’t be able to attend.
What a fab prize – fingers crossed .
Thank you Julie, and good luck! 🙂
Great post Tamason – looking forward to this event immensely. Like you, this is my idea of fun! And do try the literary walk everyone – did it last year and it was quite fascinating…
Thanks Anne. I love literary festivals. I spend my time author spotting when I am not at a talk or workshop 🙂 Looking forward to the literary walk myself! 🙂