Barnsley Book Festival 2026 starts next week, with a vibrant celebration of stories, creativity, and reading

Barnsley Book Festival returns next week for its third year, bringing an exciting programme of authors, poets, creatives and speakers to libraries and venues across the borough.

Taking place from Saturday 14 February to Saturday 7 March, this year’s festival promises a packed schedule of talks, workshops, readings and family-friendly events for everyone to enjoy.

With 2026 being the National Year of Reading, this year’s festival is a fitting celebration of the joy of reading. From bestselling writers and emerging voices to spoken word artists and local talent, the festival is continuing its reputation for championing stories and making them accessible to everyone.

There’s so much to get involved with in a programme full of exciting events and activities. Highlights include:

• An evening with historian Greg Jenner, the creator and host of the hit podcast You’re Dead to Me, and consultant behind the award-winning Horrible Histories TV series.
• Author Ajay Close in conversation with Hannah Trevarthen, discussing her action-packed, darkly funny, prize-winning novel What Doesn’t Kill Us.
• Join author Graeme Macrae Burnet as he discusses the tenth anniversary of the Booker-shortlisted His Bloody Project and his new novella, Benbecula.
• Rowan McCabe presents Hard Knocks: A show of comedy and spoken word  that lifts the lid on some of the most funny and challenging moments of being the world’s first ‘Door-to-Door Poet.’
• Barnsley-born author Pete Brown discussing his recent book Clubland: How the Working Men’s Club Shaped Britain – a BBC Radio 4 book of the week that gives an enlightening, affectionate and intoxicating history of the Working Men’s Clubs in Britain.

We’re also bringing back the electrifying LiveWire spoken word night, hands-on creative workshops, and the ever-popular Barnsley Book Sale — perfect for discovering your next great read.

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Barnsley Book Festival, said: “Barnsley Book Festival has become a much-loved fixture in our cultural calendar, and I’m so excited for it to return next week. The festival is all about bringing people together through a love of reading, and we’re proud to have a programme that reflects the voices of today while inspiring the readers and writers of tomorrow.”

Barnsley Book Festival is proudly brought to you by Barnsley Libraries, supported by Arts Council England as part of our National Portfolio Organisation programme.

Many events are free but have limited capacity — so book early to avoid missing out: visitbarnsley.co.uk/BarnsleyBookFestival.