Barnsley Book Festival
Barnsley Book Festival
Barnsley Book Festival is returning for its third year! Get ready for a three-week-long celebration of reading, creativity, and storytelling for the whole community. There’s so much to look forward to in a programme full of exciting talks, workshops, and special appearances.
- Take a look at the full 2026 programme
- Book your tickets
- Watch highlights from the 2025 edition
- Follow Barnsley Book Festival on Facebook
Saturday 14 February to Saturday 7 March 2026
Taking place during the National Year of Reading, this year’s festival will once again feature an inspiring programme of authors, poets, writers, and artists. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a family looking for half-term activities, or simply curious about books and storytelling, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy.
Festival highlights
There’s so much to look forward to, in a programme full of brilliant talks, workshops, activities and more, with highlights including:
- Family favourites Lydia Monks and Abie Longstaff, international best-selling children’s authors and illustrators, who’ll be leading workshops and book signings during February half-term.
- Greg Jenner, acclaimed historian, author and comedian (Horrible Histories, You’re Dead to Me podcast), who’ll be holding an event not to be missed for adults at Barnsley Civic.
- Insightful talks from local historian Brian Elliott and Barnsley-born Egyptologist Professor Joann Fletcher.
- The return of LiveWire, offering an evening of powerful spoken word performances.
Getting to Barnsley
Parking in Barnsley
Disabled and accessibility