The inaugural Nottingham Book Festival is set to take place at Broadway Cinema in Nottingham on September 5, 2026, promising a day packed with literary activities for book enthusiasts from across the East Midlands. Organised with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, the event aims to connect readers with lesser-known local writers while celebrating the region's rich literary heritage.
What to Expect at the Festival
Visitors can browse book stalls featuring local authors, participate in creative workshops, and enjoy live readings from regional writers. One-to-one sessions with publishing professionals will offer practical advice on navigating the publishing world, from manuscript development to marketing strategies.
The festival will also feature special guest appearances from three acclaimed authors with strong Nottinghamshire connections: Stephen Booth, Elizabeth Chadwick, and William Ivory. Each will take to the stage to share their stories and insights, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with established literary voices.
Celebrating a Literary Legacy
The event is designed to honour the region's storied literary past, which includes luminaries such as D.H. Lawrence, Alan Sillitoe, Lord Byron, and Helen Cresswell. Even Graham Greene and J.M. Barrie had ties to Nottingham, having launched their journalistic careers at the Nottingham Daily Journal.
Julie Malone, chair of the book festival, expressed her enthusiasm: "It's going to be a wonderful day for anyone who loves books, whether they are readers or writers." She added, "We are particularly pleased to have attracted three top writers who have such strong connections with Nottinghamshire in Stephen Booth, Elizabeth Chadwick and William Ivory, and we hope everyone will enjoy listening to their stories."
Opportunities for Discovery and Growth
Beyond the headline acts, the festival aims to introduce visitors to emerging talent. Malone noted, "Maybe we will also be able to introduce visitors to their next new favourite authors among the writers who have taken stalls or agreed to give us short readings from their work." Practical help will be available through one-on-one sessions with industry professionals, ensuring that aspiring authors receive tangible guidance.
"There will be practical help on hand, too, through one-to-one sessions with professionals from the world of books and publishing. Hopefully, the festival will provide something for everyone," Malone continued.
Event Details and Ticketing
Admission to the main festival is free, but tickets are required for individual workshops and guest speaker talks. The event runs from 11am to 5:30pm at Broadway Cinema, located at 14-18 Broad St, Nottingham, NG1 3AL. For the full line-up and ticket information, visit nottinghambookfestival.org.
Malone concluded: "Exceptional and inspired authors have generated this region's prominence in the literary field. With this festival, we hope people will come to meet those who are continuing that legacy."
