The Edinburgh Festival Fringe isn’t the only festival taking over the city this August so what’s involved at the International Book Festival?
Around 90 events will be held in the city with livestreams sharing the festival up and down the country including free screenings in 22 libraries. Greater accessibility to the festival will help to negate cost, geography, caring and disability barriers.
Jenny Niven, Director of the International Book Festival, says, “our audiences have always extended far beyond Edinburgh.
“We’re creating more ways than ever before for people to engage with the Book Festival, regardless of where they live or what their circumstances may be.”
This year’s theme is “Changing Your Mind” where events discussing the stories and conversations that attempt to “challenge assumptions” will be livestreamed.
What Can You See at the Book Festival?
With greater popularity following the film adaptation of her book Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell will be discussing her new book Land. Matt Haig will be promoting his most recent comforting fiction novel The Midnight Train.
From the broadcast space, Lyse Doucet will be telling stories from her time being exposed to the human side of global events. From The Celebrity Traitors, historian David Olusoga will be exploring the power of storytelling through his career. Fellow historian Tom Holland will also feature in the line-up.
Available via livestream only is a rare appearance from profound American writer, lawyer and politician, John Grisham.
For a family audience there’s widely recognised children’s authors Julia Donaldson and Jacqueline Wilson sharing their expertise. Families can also visit the LNER Kids’ Zone, Families Hangout and Children’s Tent every day until 17.00.
Find the full programme on the International Book Festival website.
Get Involved in the Book Festival
The International Book Festival 2026 runs from Saturday 15 until Sunday 30 August across many venues including McEwan Hall. The Festival Courtyard, based, at Edinburgh’s Future Institute, is home to food and drink options and the Festival Bookshop.
Tickets for events are available to buy on the Book Festival website with information on times, venues and accessibility available.
Featured Image Credit: Chris Scott via Edinburgh International Book Festival
Journalism and Film and Media student who loves writing about TV. @darcyrobson07
