Durham Book Festival’s 2026 line-up features some of the UK's most exciting writers, thinkers, performers and broadcasters exploring literature, politics, history, music, and poetry.

Taking place from 9–11 October, mainly at Gala Durham, this year's festival features music icon Neil Tennant, actor Christopher Eccleston, and an array of bestselling and award-winning writers including Susanna Clarke, Lucy Foley, Louise Doughty, Kit Fan, and Sarah Hall and poets Hollie McNish and Kayo Chingonyi.

Tickets are now on sale for the festival, which is a Durham County Council event produced by New Writing North. In addition to the best-selling line-up, the festival will include an action-packed programme of activities and workshops at council-run libraries linked to the 2026 National Year of Reading.

Festival highlights this year include Tyneside-born Neil Tennant, who will join Durham University Chancellor and former US presidential adviser Fiona Hill for an exclusive talk as part of the Forged in the North series, exploring how the North East shaped one of Britain's most influential songwriters. The event coincides with the 40th anniversary of Pet Shop Boys' debut album and the reissue of Tennant's One Hundred Lyrics and a Poem.

Hill also talks to The Times columnist James Marriott – also from Tyneside - whose acclaimed work explores the impact of smartphones on reading, human cognition and democracy, themes developed through his BBC Radio 4 series How Reading Made Us and his debut book The New Dark Ages.

One of Britain's most acclaimed fantasy writers makes a rare public appearance as Susanna Clarke discusses her new Durham-inspired novella, The Bishop of Durham Attempts to Surrender the City. Set in 1110, this atmospheric prequel to the bestselling Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell will be explored in the very city that inspired and anchors its story.

Award-winning actor Christopher Eccleston and poet Jo Clement take part in a special live recording of the Working-Class Library podcast, celebrating the legacy of the late poet Tony Harrison.

Lucy Foley's bestselling thriller The Hunting Party has been selected as the festival's 2026 Big Read, with 3,000 free copies distributed through libraries, schools, hospitals and community organisations across the North East to celebrate the National Year of Reading. A Durham University graduate, Foley will also discuss Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, her landmark commission for the Agatha Christie estate, introducing a brand-new Miss Marple, picking up Christie’s reins 50 years on.

Bestselling novelist Louise Doughty (Apple Tree Yard, Platform Seven) joins filmmaker Nicola Wilding to discuss their new memoirs, while acclaimed poet Hollie McNish teams up with Edinburgh Makar Michael Pedersen for an evening of poetry, humour and performance. The Poetry Book Society Showcase also brings together three of the UK's most exciting contemporary poets - Clementine Ewokolo, Helen Mort and Padraig Regan.

Rebecca Wilkie, Durham Book Festival Director at New Writing North, said: "We're delighted to be back celebrating stories rooted in the North, while welcoming voices from across the UK and beyond. Working-class writing is a major theme, from the legacy of Tony Harrison to our exciting showcase, New Northern Voices. The festival is also firmly rooted in place, exploring how the North East has shaped writers, artists and their work.”©

Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “Durham Book Festival is not only a longstanding and popular event on the county’s cultural calendar, but it’s now a firm favourite on the UK literary scene too. Each year it delivers a fantastic programme of talks, events and activities that entertain and inspire people of all ages.

“What’s more, it attracts thousands of people into Durham city centre, helping to boost the local economy, while also promoting our wonderful libraries and cultural venues.

“The festival is ultimately about spreading the joy of reading and writing, and – thanks to the return of the Big and Little Read and the activities taking place in our libraries – this tradition is set to continue in 2026. In fact, this year is extra special as it coincides with the National Year of Reading, a campaign that encourages people to get behind the pages of a book. We have a programme of activities taking place throughout the year and Durham Book Festival is of course one of the highlights.”

Other festival highlights include North East thriller writers, Jo Murray and Rebecca Philipson, a social history of Newcastle United with Dan Jackson, and the feminist writers Clare McGlynn and Natasha Walter tackle the urgent issues of online misogyny and women’s rights.

A new short stories commission for the podcast Sleep Stories sees acclaimed writers Romalyn Ante, Naomi Booth and Sarah Hall join sleep scientists to discuss the challenges of getting a good night’s kip. And the festival embraces innovative storytelling, with a festival ‘Game Jam’ and discussion on the relationship between gaming and fiction.

Subjects range from Greek mythology to Tarot reading, with comedy from the Door-to-Door poet, Newcastle’s Rowan McCabe. There’s a chance to indulge with local restauranteur Anna Hedworth and food writer Kit Fan, and swoon over Regency romance with the Georgette Heyer continuation novelist, Sophie Iriwn in conversation with The History Gossip influencer, Katie Kennedy.

The festival continues its commitment to championing emerging northern talent with events for aspiring authors keen to learn about the publication process, and a day-long writing workshop with Faber Academy author, Amy Key.

Founded in 1990, Durham Book Festival is part of Durham County Council’s Art Council supported National Portfolio Organisation festival programme. It is produced by New Writing North, with additional support from Durham University.

 Professor Janet Stewart, Executive Dean (Arts and Humanities), at Durham University, said: “The Festival embodies the very best of our university: curiosity, creativity and the vibrant exchange of ideas. Each year, it brings an extraordinary wealth of talent to our city, including graduates, University colleagues and our Chancellor, Dr Fiona Hill, creating opportunities to challenge and connect. We celebrate the enrichment it brings—not only to our university, but also to the wider community, fostering cultural experiences that resonate long after the festival ends.”

Tickets are on sale now, with many events also available via livestream.

For the full programme and to book tickets visit www.durhambookfestival.com.