Our programme includes International authors and we provide a platform for local authors. Along with your traditional 'book' events festival-goers are treated to a diverse programme that includes music, comedy, poetry, theatre and discussions. The festival delivers a range of creative and educational workshops and provides a programme of events for schools and communities. 

Here are some key highlights for the Belfast Book Festival across the years: 

2018

• Acclaimed journalist, broadcaster and former Downing Street Press Secretary and now prolific novelist Alastair Campbell at Windsor Park
• Award winning comedian, writer and actress Francesca Martinez at The Crescent
• Champion motorcyclist, truck racer and television presenter Steve Parrish at Malone Lodge Hotel
• Internationally renowned speaker, mathematician, scientist and philosopher John Lennox at Fisherwick Presbyterian Church
• Best-selling author on the subjects of Nutrition and Health, the Medicinal chef Dale Pinnock at Hillmount Garden Centre, Belfast
• Guillem Balagué Sky Sports journalist and author of best-selling biographies on Pep Guardiola, Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at The Black Box
• Adventurer, environmentalist, speaker and writer Huw Kingston at The Crescent
• The guys behind The Guardian's political sketches John Crace
• Donal Scullion led a special guest band at the Strand Arts Centre for Astral Weeks: The Music And The Myths Of Van Morrison featuring a set in tribute to the album that blessed us with such tracks as Madam George, Cyprus Avenue and Sweet Thing.
• Renowned broadcaster, defender of the arts and protector of journalistic freedoms John Tusa
• Sir Robert Salisbury, in the beautiful setting of the Botanic Gardens Palm House, talked about the inspiring story of how he and Rosemary transformed an unloved rural wasteland into a thriving, renowned wildlife garden
• The Queen of Scottish stand-up and perennial thorn in Donald Trump's side Janey Godley
• James Harpur, Mark Roper and John F Deane hosted an evening of readings from three superlative poets at The Crescent

2017 

• Renowned political scientist, activist, distinguished professor and prolific author Norman Finkelstein
• Comedian and actress Sara Pascoe discusses her debut book Animal which explores the forces that mould and affect modern women
• The stars of the international smash hit podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno which recently sold out Sydney Opera House
• Author of the best-selling book Captain Corelli’s Mandolin Louis De Bernieres
• Mum, wife, blogger and bestselling author The Unmumsy Mum Sarah Turner
• British author, journalist and political commentator Douglas Murray
• Editor at large at The Guardian Gary Younge
• The launch of the inaugural Mairtin Crawford Award's for Poetry and Short Story
• Co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party and former editor at large of TIME magazine Catherine Mayer

2016

• The Jam’s drummer Rick Buckler discussed his book That’s Entertainment: My Life in the Jam at The Black Box
• John Challis (Only Fools and Horses) chatted about his life in show business as well as his books Being Boycie and Reggie:A Stag at Bay
• Award-winning journalist David Aaronovitch discussed his memoir Party Animals
• Financial and economics expert Paul Mason chatted about the state of the world economy, Brexit and much more
• Leading contemporary novelist Dame Fiona Kidman spoke with Cathy Brown about her book on the 1930s aviator icon aka ‘Garbo of the Skies’ Jean Batten
• Award winning Kate Tempest had a chat with Jan Carson about her debut novel The Bricks That Built The Houses 
  
• Human rights activist Hyeonseo Lee discussed her memoirs and her work on human rights as well as refugee issues
• 93 year old Harry Leslie Smith brought his unique perspective on the NHS cutbacks, benefits, political corruption and much more with Harry’s Last Stand
• Spoken word artist Hollie McNish discussed her book with is a unique blend of poetry and storytelling
• Maverick film-maker Alex Cox discussed his book for aspiring filmmakers at Crescent Arts Centre
• Rebecca De Saintonge’s One Yellow Door explored the conflicting emotions of infidelity where one partner is severely disabled
• Poet Sinead Morrissey and composer Piers Hellawell presented their collaborative works
• Petrol heads fans enjoyed hearing Liam Beckett’s discuss Full Throttle which explores his partnership with Robert Dunlop