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News • August 5th, 2026
|The Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival is set to return this autumn, bringing a delightful mix of literary talent to the North Yorkshire spa town. Scheduled to run from 11 to 25 October 2026, the festival promises an exciting two weeks filled with renowned authors and captivating discussions. This annual event, sponsored by Raworths Solicitors, has earned a reputation as one of the most significant literary festivals in the UK, drawing fans from far and wide.
Headliners for 2026
This year’s festival will feature a remarkable lineup of headliners, each bringing their unique stories and insights to the stage:
Kate Mosse – The acclaimed novelist will present her new book, Autumn, which beautifully combines memoir and nature writing to celebrate the changing seasons.
Dame Prue Leith – The beloved broadcaster and author of Being Old…and Learning to Love It! will share her thoughts on ageing gracefully and finding joy in life's later stages.
Sophie Raworth – The well-known journalist will be the special guest at the Yorkshire Life Literary Lunch on 22 October, discussing her inspiring memoir, Running on Air.
Julian Clary – The comedian and presenter will talk about his latest murder mystery novel, The Midmorning Murders.
Sir Ben Okri – The Booker Prize-winning author will introduce his new book, Waking the Warriors, exploring themes of courage and hope.
Heather Morris – The international bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz will discuss her new novel, The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse.
Sir John Curtice – Britain’s leading political analyst will provide insights into the current fragmented political landscape.
“One of the UK’s best Literary Festivals”
The Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival is more than just a series of talks; it is a celebration of storytelling that resonates deeply with the community. As the festival has been recognised as “One of the UK’s best Literary Festivals” by Harper’s Bazaar and “One of the Top 3 Literary Festivals in the UK” by the Guardian, it underscores the importance of literature in fostering connections among people. Attendees can expect not only to hear from their favourite authors but also to engage in meaningful discussions about the themes and ideas presented in their works.
Community Involvement
Rachel Tunnicliffe, Senior Partner at Raworths Solicitors, expressed pride in sponsoring such a prestigious event:
“We are proud to be the sponsors of this world-class Festival which brings the power of stories and the joy of storytelling to Harrogate.”
The festival not only highlights big names but also enriches the local culture and economy, making it a vital event for both residents and visitors alike.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the festival are set to go on sale soon. Friends of the Festival will have early access starting from 5 August 2026, while general sales will begin on 19 August 2026.
A Festival of Connection
This year’s diverse programme aims to bring together an array of fabulous writers, with more exciting announcements expected in the lead-up to the festival. Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “We are delighted to announce some of the headliners for the Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival 2026.”
