Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on September 17th, 2026
•The Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival is set to take place from 11 to 25 October 2026, and this year's programme promises a delightful mix of well-known authors and intriguing stories. With a vibrant array of topics ranging from gardening and The Beatles to crime fiction and personal memoirs, there is something for everyone at this beloved North Yorkshire event.
Exciting Line-Up of Authors
The festival has garnered a reputation as one of the UK's finest literary events, attracting a diverse range of speakers and attendees. This year marks the 14th year of sponsorship by Raworths Solicitors, and Rachel Tunnicliffe, the Senior Partner at the firm, expressed pride in the festival's ability to bring remarkable storytellers to Harrogate.
Julian Clary
Dame Prue Leith
Sir Ben Okri
Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, & Rachel Tunnicliffe, Senior Partner at Raworths. (credit Gerard Binks)The festival will feature a star-studded line-up, including:
Kate Mosse – The acclaimed novelist will discuss her latest book, Autumn, which beautifully intertwines memoir and nature writing.
Dame Prue Leith – The well-known broadcaster and writer will share insights from her book, Being Old…and Learning to Love It!, focusing on embracing ageing and finding joy in life.
Sophie Raworth – The broadcaster will be the special guest at the Yorkshire Life Literary Lunch on 22 October, where she will discuss her memoir, Running on Air.
Crime fiction fans can look forward to a special Book and Brunch event with bestselling author Vaseem Khan on 11 October. He will delve into the inspirations behind his award-winning mysteries.
Noteworthy Discussions and Panels
The festival will also host discussions that tackle important themes and historical narratives. One highlight includes David Lascelles, who will share the extraordinary story of his father and the Nazi official who saved his life during the Second World War in his book, Out of Colditz: My Father, the POW and the Nazi Who Controlled His Fate.
Other notable speakers include:
Sir Ben Okri – The Booker Prize-winning author will introduce his new work, Waking the Warriors, exploring themes of courage and hope.
Heather Morris – Known for her bestselling novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, she will discuss her latest book, The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse.
Sir John Curtice – As a leading political analyst, he will offer insights into the current state of British politics.
The festival will also feature a special panel event commemorating Agatha Christie, marking the 50th anniversary of her death. Experts will discuss her impact on literature and the mystery surrounding her famous disappearance in Harrogate.
Engaging Non-Fiction and New Voices
This year's festival places a strong emphasis on non-fiction, with authors addressing significant societal issues.
Samira Ahmed will present her new book, A Hard Day's Night, which examines The Beatles' iconic first film and its cultural impact.
Paul Brand will explore the complex topic of assisted dying in his book, Fight to the Death, sharing personal stories that highlight the human experiences behind this divisive issue.
Jonny Hincks, known as @gardenwithjonny on social media, who will share gardening tips from his debut book, Garden Yourself Happy.
Alison Stankard, will present her comedic take on running culture in *Are You a Running W*nker?*.
A Festival for Everyone
Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, expressed excitement about this year's offering, stating:
“The Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival 2026 really does have something for every kind of reader.”
The diverse programme includes everything from cosy crime and bestselling fiction to inspiring memoirs and discussions about influential cultural icons like The Beatles. T
he festival has been recognised as one of the UK's best literary festivals by Harper’s Bazaar and ranked among the top three by the Guardian. Its intimate setting allows for engaging interactions between authors and attendees, making it a must-visit event for book lovers.
