Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival 2026
UK Top Literary Event Returns to North Yorkshire.
Posted on 23rd August 2026
The historic spa town of Harrogate will welcome national treasures, literary icons, and bestselling authors as the prestigious Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival returns from 11th to 25th October 2026. Hailed by The Guardian as one of the UK's top three literary festivals, the two-week event brings intimate author talks and panel discussions to the town's premier hotel venues.
2026 Festival Headliners 📚✨
Sponsored by Raworths Solicitors and produced by Harrogate International Festivals, this autumn's lineup brings together celebrated authors across fiction, memoir, broadcasting, and politics:
🍂 Kate Mosse
The acclaimed novelist will discuss her new book Autumn, an evocative celebration of seasonal turning that blends memoir with nature writing.
🍳 Dame Prue Leith
Broadcaster, restaurateur, and author shares insights from her book Being Old… and Learning to Love It!, exploring curiosity, joy, and ageing well.
🕵️ Julian Clary
The beloved TV star, comedian, and presenter discusses his latest murder mystery novel, The Midmorning Murders.
📖 Sir Ben Okri
Booker Prize-winning author introduces Waking the Warriors, delving into the powerful ideas of courage, resistance, and hope behind his modern fable.
🎹 Heather Morris
The international bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz presents her brand-new historical novel, The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse.
🗳️ Sir John Curtice
Britain's leading political analyst offers expert commentary on the country's changing political landscape.
Special Events & Feature Lunches 🍷🎙️
Key highlights on the 2026 festival schedule:
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🎙️ Yorkshire Life Literary Lunch with Sophie Raworth (Thursday 22nd October)
Join acclaimed journalist and broadcaster Sophie Raworth for a special literary lunch as she shares stories from her inspiring memoir, Running on Air.
Festival Venues & Settings 🏛️🛋️
Events take place in intimate, historic hotel settings across central Harrogate:
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🏨 The Crown Hotel
Located in Harrogate's historic Montpelier Quarter (HG1 2RZ), hosting main stage author interviews and audience Q&A sessions.
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🌳 Cedar Court Hotel
Overlooking the Stray parkland (HG1 5AH), providing a relaxed backdrop for festival talks and literary lunches.
Essential Visitor & Travel Information 💡
Practical details for attending the festival:
Festival Dates
Sunday 11th October – Sunday 25th October 2026. Individual event times vary across the two-week run.
Tickets & Booking
Individual tickets are required for each event. Advance booking via Harrogate International Festivals is recommended.
Arriving by Train
Harrogate Railway Station is within a 10-minute walk of both The Crown Hotel and Cedar Court Hotel.
Parking
On-site guest parking is available at both hotels, with nearby multi-storey parking at Jubilee Car Park (HG1 1UU).
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