Major 2026 book festivals in the UK include the renowned Hay Festival (May/June), Edinburgh International Book Festival (August), and Oxford Literary Festival (March). These events feature author talks, workshops, and signings, alongside specialized events like the Bath Children’s Literature Festival. Other notable gatherings include the York Literature Festival and Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival

Key Major 2026 UK Book Festivals

• Wolverhampton Literature Festival: Feb 6–8, 2026
• Portsmouth BookFest: Feb 15 – Mar 8, 2026
• Faversham Literary Festival: Feb 20 – Mar 1, 2026
• Winter Words Festival (Pitlochry): Feb 21–23, 2026
• Aldeburgh Book Festival: March 2026
• Oxford Literary Festival: March 2026
• Hexham Book Festival: April 2026
• Winchester Book Festival: April 2026
• Hay Festival (Hay-on-Wye): May/June 2026
• Edinburgh International Book Festival: Aug 15–30, 2026
• Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival: March & September 2026 

Highlights & Major Events

• Hay Festival: Known as one of the world’s leading literary festivals, featuring over 700 speakers including authors, politicians, and philosophers.
• Edinburgh International Book Festival: Held in August, it is a massive celebration of global writing and ideas with extensive programming for children and adults.
• Cheltenham Literature Festival (Cheltenham): The UK’s oldest annual literary festival, featuring hundreds of writers, poets, and politicians. 
• London Literature Festival: Hosted at the Southbank Centre, offering diverse events for all ages.
• International Events: The Frankfurt Book Fair is the world’s largest, while the L.A. Times Festival of Books is a major US event

What are the biggest literary festivals in the UK?

The biggest UK literary festivals include the world-renowned Hay Festival (Wales) for its scale and global reach, the historic Cheltenham Literature Festival (UK’s oldest), and the massive Edinburgh International Book Festival, alongside major events like the London Literature Festival and regional gems like the Bradford Literature Festival and Henley Literary Festival, attracting huge crowds and major authors annually.  

Other Key Festivals

• Bradford Literature Festival (Bradford): Known for its diversity and inclusive programming, especially in its 10th anniversary year in 2026. 
  
• Henley Literary Festival (Henley-on-Thames): A popular festival known for big names across genres. 
  
• Oxford Literary Festival (Oxford): Features talks in historic venues like the Bodleian Library. 
  
• Wigtown Book Festival (Wigtown, Scotland): Scotland’s National Book Town hosts a significant annual event. 
  
• Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival (Harrogate): A major event for crime fiction fans, authors, and industry professionals.