Hexham Book Festival in Northumberland open for bookings

The not-for-profit Community Interest Company was founded in 2006 and led by creative director Susie Troup alongside festival manager Gil Pugh, and has since grown into a regional highlight.

James Holland (Image: Wilky Wilkinson)

The festival, which has grown into a literary event for Northumberland and the North East, began as a 'wild idea and a dream,' according to its founder-director, Susie Troup.

The 2026 book festival will run from April 24 until May 3, at the Queen's Hall in Hexham.

Author Lee Child (Image: Axel Dupeux)

Ms Troup said: "When the festival was set up, it was a wild idea and a dream – and it is now a firm marker in the events calendar for Hexham and Northumberland.

"We welcome people to Hexham from all over the North East and Cumbria, as well as audiences who travel to the region especially for it."

Writer Alexander McCall Smith (Image: Kirsty Anderson)

Over the years, the festival has welcomed hundreds of novelists, politicians, children’s authors, poets, journalists, and historians, becoming a staple of the regional arts calendar.

The 2026 programme features a diverse line-up of writers and public figures.

Sarah Hall (Image: Kat Green)

Ms Troup said: "In terms of this year’s line-up, there’s a really good variety: from the Proof Party where people will get an opportunity to get a book in proof format that hasn’t even been published yet through to crime writers, politicians, historians and established literary novelists.

"It generally reflects what we’re trying to do: bring ideas and books to people for discussion and enjoyment."

Chris Mullin (Image: Rachael Fraser)

Among this year’s speakers are Alexander McCall Smith, Val McDermid, Lee Child, Andrey Kurkov, and Sarah Hall, along with historians Tracy Borman and Antonia Senior.

Nicola Sturgeon, Penny Mordaunt, and Chris Mullin are also set to appear, alongside American poet Jane Hirshfield.

The festival explores travel, history, science, technology, and storytelling, and includes workshops for aspiring writers.

Penny Mordaunt (Image: Supplied)

It has welcomed a prestigious array of guests since it was established, from authors such as Robin Ince, Ian Rankin, Luke Jennings, Germaine Greer, Melvyn Bragg, Michael Morpurgo, PD James, Alexander McCall Smith, Margaret Drabble, Jodi Picoult, Lionel Shriver, Kate Atkinson and Joe Simpson.

Full programme details are available online now and tickets are on sale to the public.