Excitement builds for summer book festival

A packed programme of events has been planned for the forthcoming Summer Edition of the Derby Book Festival.

Taking place at venues across the city from 30 May to 5 June, this year’s festival will feature almost 40 exciting book-related events.

Highlights winclude political commentators James O’Brien and Polly Toynbee, fashion expert Patrick Grant and novelists Abigail Dean, Bridget Collins, Francis Spufford and Sunjeev Sahota, plus historians Alison Weir and Dan Cruickshank.

There will also be plenty for children and families to enjoy over half term, including Bookworms: The Kids Takeover at Electric Daisy, in Bold Lane, in partnership with Down to Earth Derby.

There will also be a special one-off event at Derby Theatre with BBC presenter Clive Myrie on Monday 29 July when he will be in conversation with former BBC Moscow Correspondent James Rodgers.

Now in its ninth year, the festival offers a broad range of events, activities and projects aimed at all ages and interests, bringing people together in a love of books and inspiring new readers to enjoy the pleasure that books and reading bring to our lives.

The festival is funded by Arts Council England and the University of Derby with sponsorship from several local businesses and individuals, including Smith Partnership and Geldards.

Professor Keith McLay, chair of Derby Book Festival and provost (learning and teaching) at the University of Derby, said: “Derby Book Festival is an important part of our city and region’s cultural year.

“This is the second of three festivals taking place throughout 2024, and once again offers a wide-ranging programme with something to appeal to all ages and interests.

“We are looking forward to welcoming so many talented and engaging authors to the city to share their passions and insights.

“The university is proud to continue its support for the festival, which opens up a wealth of opportunities for our communities to come together to explore books and reading.”

To view the full list of events and book tickets https://www.derbybookfestival.co.uk/