Menu

Programme announced for Durham Book Festival 2021

Posted by

Durham Book Festival returns this October with an exciting blend of live and digital events, including headline guests Lemn Sissay, Richard Osman, Pat Barker, Val McDermid, Leïla Slimani, Fiona Hill, Ed Balls and the announcement of the Gordon Burn Prize

We are delighted to announce the programme for Durham Book Festival 2021, marking a return to live events for the North East’s largest literary festival, which was fully digital in 2020.

Between 9 and 17 October 2021, writers, artists and thinkers from across the world will take part in more than 60 events, either in person at the Gala Theatre or online.

The festival was founded in 1990 and is one of country’s oldest literary festivals. This year, it is one of the first nationally to announce a return to live events. Audiences will find the festival’s usual convivial atmosphere, which brings people together through new ideas and conversation, alongside a range of safety measures to keep everyone comfortable.

A weekend of live events at the Gala Theatre will be complemented by a complete digital programme. You will be able to engage with the festival in a range of ways, from watching author talks and films, listening to podcasts and walking tours, and reading essays. New for 2021, a Digital Pass allows audiences to access the whole opening Digital Weekend for just £20.

We want our festival to be accessible to everyone. All of our digital events will be captioned (video events) and transcribed (audio events), while all of our live events at Gala Theatre will have Stagetext captioning.

However you are joining us in 2021, we can’t wait to see you again – it has been too long!

Booking is now open, via our Programme page or by calling the Gala Theatre on 03000 266 600.