The Belfast Book Festival has grown from strength to strength since its inception in 2010 and has become the largest and most diverse literary festival in Northern Ireland. Each year we strive to curate a programme of events that is unique and highly creative as we bring to the city as whole host of events.
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 commentatorDouglas Murray
Editor at large at The Guardian Gary Younge
The launch of the inauguralMairtin 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’sOne 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
Stay in the loop with The Crescent
Be the first to hear about upcoming events, courses and workshops. Sign up to our mailing list today