This June in Leeds, the whole city turns into a playground for readers, writers, and anyone who loves a good story. From 14th to 22nd June, the Leeds Lit Fest 2025 is taking over, and it’s jam-packed with events that go way beyond your usual author signings.
Think eye-opening talks, thought-provoking performances, and even a few classic goth tunes thrown in for good measure. Whether you’re deep into poetry, love a juicy memoir, or just want to sit back and soak in some live storytelling with a pint in hand—this is for you.
Big names, real talk: Gemma Styles and mental health
Let’s start with Gemma Styles—yep, the podcaster with over 14 million followers. She’s hitting up the Brudenell Social Club on Sunday 22nd June at 1:00 pm to talk about her debut book Why Am I Like This?. Expect honest chats about mental health, growing up in the public eye, and navigating life when your brain sometimes feels like it’s doing its own thing.
This isn’t a dry book reading. It’s more like a heart-to-heart with someone who just gets it.
Poetry with punch: McMillan, Ferguson, and Abbott
On Wednesday 18th June at 7:30 pm, head over to Hyde Park Book Club for a night of raw, powerful poetry from Andrew McMillan, Maria Ferguson, and host Matt Abbott. If poetry makes you think of dusty old schoolbooks, forget that. These writers hit nerves. Andrew’s latest work pandemonium and Maria’s recent Penguin-published Swell dig into identity, vulnerability, and all the messiness of being human.
Music, memoirs, and mayhem with White Rabbit Books
This one’s for the music geeks. On Saturday 21st June at 2:00 pm, White Rabbit Books takes over Leeds Central Library with a panel event that’s part publishing insight, part pop culture deep dive. On the mic: White Rabbit founder Lee Brackstone, writer and punk memoirist Adelle Stripe, and cult-fave author David Keenan (This Is Memorial Device). Expect stories that blur the line between truth and myth—with a good dose of weird and wonderful thrown in.
Esther’s Revenge: theatre that hits hard
In partnership with the Leeds International African Arts Festival, the Lit Fest brings a stunning performance of Esther’s Revenge to Leeds Minster on Wednesday 18th June at 6:30 pm. Written by Kenneth Uphopho and performed by award-winning Bola Atitebi, this is no light drama. It’s the story of a woman taking on a broken system with guts and fury—told through powerful African storytelling and physical theatre.
From goths to gigs: a darker side of the fest
Feeling broody? On Monday 16th June at 7:30 pm, back at Hyde Park Book Club, John Robb, Simon Price, and Stu Hennigan will be talking all things goth—music, culture, eyeliner, and all. These are writers who’ve lived and breathed the scene, so if you fancy a moody Monday night hiding from the sun with some deep chats and maybe a soundtrack to match, this is your moment.
A punk poet’s new take on life
Remember Chumbawamba? (“I get knocked down…” Yeah, that one.) Founding member Boff Whalley is bringing his new book But: Life Isn’t Like That, Is It? to Mill Hill Chapel on Friday 20th June at 7:00 pm. This is part reading, part gig, part conversation—expect songs, stories, and a lot of heart. It’s about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, told with humour and soul.
Who’s behind it all?
Leeds Lit Fest is in its seventh year and it’s run by actual people who care about the city’s stories—like Jack Simpson, owner of Hyde Park Book Club. He’s buzzing about the new venues, fresh talent, and the mix of voices coming together: from university professors to first-time zine makers. With support from The Grammar School at Leeds, Leeds Church Institute, and Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, plus a GoFundMe to keep things going, the festival is powered by passion more than cash.
Key info at a glance
- 📅 Dates: Saturday 14th June – Sunday 22nd June 2025
- 📍 Venues: Across Leeds (Hyde Park Book Club, Brudenell Social Club, Leeds Minster, and more)
- 🎟️ Tickets: Many events are in small venues (under 100 capacity) and tend to sell out—so get booking
- 🌐 Website: www.leedslitfest.co.uk
- 📱 Follow: Instagram (@leeds_lit_fest), X (@LeedsLit), Facebook (@LeedsLitFest), Bluesky (@leedslitfest.bsky.social)
- 💸 Support: GoFundMe page
Who should go?
Honestly? Anyone with a brain and a heart. Whether you’re into spoken word, indie publishing, performance art, or just curious about how stories can connect us—there’s something here for you. Leeds Lit Fest 2025 isn’t about being posh or pretentious. It’s about community, creativity, and conversation.
