Bath Literature Festival has established itself as one of the UK’s most respected literary events, presenting the best in local, national and international writers in venues throughout Bath’s city centre.
The yearly festival was formed in 1995. There are many workshops and interactive experiences on offer to visitors as well as debates on topical issues, and specially commissioned work by leading contemporary writers. The Bath literature Festival has played host to authors such as Terry Pratchett, Joanna Trollope, Tony Benn, Margaret Atwood, Alexander McCall Smith, Doris Lessing, Tariq Ali, Jacqueline Wilson, Ian Banks, Hilary Mantel, Carol Ann Duffy and Sue Townsend. The Bath literature Festival offers over 120 literary events in 9 days.
The Festival is based in the Guildhall, but it also uses a number of theatres, galleries and the library. The town centre is compact so everything should be within easy walking distance. There are workshops to help you hone your own writing skills and succeed in publishing your own work. You can also get involved with debates or discussions, and enjoy specially commissioned work by leading contemporary writers, authors and journalists. With a strong focus on families, there is lots of entertainment available for children even including events at local schools. The event is likely to be enjoyed by many whether you like the classics, modern fiction or poetry.
James Runcie succeeded Sarah Le Fanu as the Artistic Director in 2010. He is an acclaimed novelist, documentary film-maker, TV producer, theatre director and journalist. The Festival will begin with ‘Voices in the City’ a day of free events held on Friday 25 February to celebrate the spoken word.
Bath as a great cultural city is a perfect place to host the Literature Festival. Jane Austen lived in the city in 1801. With so many visitors coming to the area you need to make sure you plan ahead if visiting to secure your accommodation in Bath. It might be worth ringing around the Bath city centre hotels to see if they have any special offers during the event.