From small beginnings in 2006, Hexham Book Festival has grown into a major cultural event for Hexham. We love the buzz that it brings to the town. Authors and book fans come from far and wide to be here. This year, it runs from June 10th to June 19th.
Who’s on at Hexham Book Festival 2022?
This year’s authors include fascinating people such as Ed Balls, Lady Hale, Lemn Sissay, Miles Jupp, Tracy Borman and Val McDermid.
We tend to book some ‘big names’ early and then take our time to dig about in the programme for hidden gems. For instance, a few years ago we went to see a crime writer we’d never heard of called Mick Herron at Hexham Library. Mick came over as intelligent and fun and his ‘Slow Horses’ books turned out to be the same. They’ve since become a huge success and have now been made into a major new series by Apple starring Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas!
We’re pleased to say that Mick Herron is coming back to Hexham again despite his Hollywood connections. He’s on in the theatre at the Queen’s Hall on Saturday, June 18th.
What actually happens at a book festival?
The main focus at book festivals is the authors that come along to talk about a books (generally new/recent ones that they want to publicise). They are normally interviewed by someone and then they’ll take questions from the audience. It’s a great opportunity to be inspired by people you would be unlikely to ‘meet’ otherwise. For instance, we’re looking forward to seeing Dr Waheed Arian whose family has to flee Afghanistan when he was a child and – having been smuggled into the UK aged 15 – read medicine at Cambridge, became an NHS doctor and then founded a global charity. This UNESCO Global Hero Award winner is coming to our gorgeous market town thanks to the festival.
You can also see comedy, experience what sounds like an amazing immersive experience called Deception Island, attend open mic events, watch cabaret and attend writing masterclasses. Book festivals can be surprisingly unstuffy.
Venues for this year’s book festival range from the theatre at the Queen’s Hall to Hexham Abbey’s tiny nave and a big, mirrored tent called a Spiegeltent.
Nothing for kids?
The team at the book festival have built up a very successful children’s festival now known as Storyland. There are family events on from June 10th-17th including the intriguing Underpants of Chaos!!! There’s plenty of active stuff to choose from such as circus skills.
Where do I book?
Tickets for Hexham Book Festival 2022 plus the Storyland kids’ festival go on general sale from Thursday, April 21st.
Where shall I eat?
The Beaumont Hotel is offering a 10% discount for book fest ticket holders. See the back of the hard-copy programme for details.
Needing transport?
We’ll get you wherever you need to go in our hybrid and electric cabs. Book with Ecocabs using our app, by phone or via this website.
