AN annual book festival will take over the town for 10 days starting this week.
This year's Hexham Book Festival will bring 55 events, including film screenings, writing workshops and book group events, to venues including the Queen’s Hall and Forum Cinema from Friday, April 26.
The first festival day includes a special school event with Clare Balding, and journalist and political commentator Will Hutton headlining the evening events. There will also be a private launch for festival sponsors and supporters.
Susie Troup, festival director, 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.”
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In a year of elections, a cost-of-living crisis, war in Europe and the ramping up of climate change, Hexham Book Festival returns with big discussions, amazing writers, and beautiful poetry.
The festival, which was founded in 2006, has welcomed tens of thousands of people to its events, and in 2023 was back to pre-pandemic audience numbers.
Politicians and commentators alike will offer their viewpoints and opinions on domestic politics; join in the discussion with Wes Streeting, Ian Dunt, Nigel Fletcher, Raymond Newell and Will Hutton.
The view from overseas will be the topic of discussion for Angus Hanton on the USA, Robin Niblett on China and Subhadra Das on beliefs that founded the West.
Society is the topic of discussion for writers and journalists including Cathy Newman who will examine women who broke the mould; Marianna Spring on online trolling and hate; Suzanne Heywood revealing the impact of a very unorthodox childhood; and Helen Russell on what raising a child in Scandinavia looks like.
For poetry lovers, former Scottish Makar and festival favourite Jackie Kay will return with her first collection in nearly a decade, while Imtiaz Dharker and Len Pennie will enthral audiences with their words and performances. Kathleen Jamie and Lavinia Greenlaw will present work together, in a special event sponsored by The Biscuit Factory.
To view the full programme, go to Hexham Book Festival's homepage.
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