Looking for a way to take your love of books to the next level? Why not try a more immersive reading experience this year, with one of these popular literature festivals taking place in Surrey & SW London?
Whether or not you’re an avid reader, literature festivals are a recent trend that you’re going to want to get involved in. The widespread popularity and diversity of these festivals have rapidly grown in current years, with topics such as culture, politics, music and film alongside literature ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Wimbledon BookFest
👉 A favourite among families and intellectuals 📆 3-13 October 2019
With opportunities of all kinds, ranging from volunteering to sitting in on talks from famous speakers, Wimbledon BookFest has something to offer for people of all ages and interests. Presentations and talks vary from puppet shows for families and children, such as Five Little Monkeys, to talk on Margaret Thatcher by Charles Moore and another from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.
This book festival also attracts film-lovers and makers with the Wimbledon International Short film festival now in its eleventh year. With entries from all over the world with some going on to win BAFTAs, it’s not an event to miss out on. See the full list of events here.
2. Guildford Book Festival
👉 A high-end celebration of literature 📆 6-13 October 2019
With the acclaimed children’s author Michael Rosen and respected actor Timothy West, among others, as patrons, Guildford’s Book Festival is recognised as one of Britain’s most popular literary celebrations. Running from 6- 13 Oct, this event will feature a range of talks from speakers with varying backgrounds and specialities.
This year you can enjoy a ‘Literary Lunch’ with Deborah Moggach, the author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Nickolas Coleridge, publisher of 130 magazines worldwide such as Vogue and Vanity Fair. Other speakers include the author of Captain Corelli and Beyond, Louis de Bernières, as well as wildlife expert Steve Backshall on his recent publication Expedition. This sophisticated festival provides a relaxed but fruitful atmosphere and promises not to disappoint.
3. Woking Literary Festival
👉 For families and immersion 📆 2020 (dates & times TBC)
The Woking Literary Festival, which takes place at the Lightbox, is known for being one of the most immersive and engaging celebrations of literature and the arts of its time. With over a week of events, including a poetry open mic day, creative performances of children’s books, an extremely popular literature quiz, talks from authors on their recent books, and a publishing workshop, this literary festival proves to be captivating until the end. Although the line-up and plan of events for the 2020 festival have not been released yet, this year’s festival in April was as popular as ever, and the 2020 event promises to be just as marvellous.
4. Balham Literary Festival
Sarah Hickson
👉 For the book lovers 📆 2020 (dates & times TBC)
The Balham Literary festival is jam-packed with talks from authors of different types of fiction and non-fiction books, as well as writing workshops and other talks from cooking, politics and family experts. This celebration of literature is renowned for being educative and thought-provoking, every event is hosted by experts and experienced speakers who approach their topics in an engaging and exciting way.
The 2019 events included talks from different authors whose books span over a range of topics, such as climate change (Adam Weymouth with Kings of the Yukon), female politicians (Rachel Reeves with Women of Westminster), vegan food (Rachel Ama with Vegan Eats) and many more. Although the 2020 programme has not been released yet, we predict that it will be just as engaging and fascinating.
5. Richmond Upon Thames Literature Festival
@richmondlitfest
👉 For all book lovers 📆1-24 November 2019
Founded in 1991, The Richmond Upon Thames Literature Festival is an established event in the literature festival calendar. It is now returning for its 28th year and will be packed with fun talks, storytellings and poetry readings. While the line-up for this year's festival has not of yet been announced if the 2018 festival is anything to go by then it will be fantastic. Last year featured events such as a workshop on how to write good genre fiction, talks from authors on their most recent books, as well as guest appearances from television historian Dan Snow and famous humanitarian Terry Waite.
6. Barnes Children's Literature Festival
@BarnesKidsLitFest
👉 For families and fun-lovers 📆2020 (dates & times TBC)
This festival is the largest literature festival solely dedicated to children in London, and 2020 will be its sixth year of running. The organisers of this event aim to inspire children and encourage them to unleash their imagination through the magic of literature, and invite big names each year as well as hosting marvellous children's shows. Past visitors have reported having a fantastic experience at the festival, getting to meet some of their favourite authors and listening to engaging stories. The line-up for 2020 has not yet been confirmed, but the previous festival saw appearances from the likes of Lauren Child (Charlie and Lola), Caroline Lawrence (The Roman Mysteries), and David Almond (Skellig).