Book festivals?

[thelittlebooktroll]

Does anyone have any recommendations for good book festivals? Has anyone been to the Hay in Wye and can tell me what it's like? Too crowded? Thinking of going with children. Two young teens and one 8 year old

I go to Hay festival most years as I don't live too far away and really enjoy it, especially if the weather's good (which it usually isn't). Lots for children and teens but book early as the more interactive workshops fill up early.

It's worth making a day of it, so pick a day with plenty on that interests you as I don't find it too convenient to pop in and out, park, etc.

I go to lots (well more pre Dc) but am not in the UK. They're usually great fun.

Edinburgh in August. Fabulous city with lots to do outwith the book festival. The book festival tents are bang in the middle of town.

Guildford in October is excellent.

Cambridge literary festival ticketing has just opened. We've been a couple of times and will be back this year. Always excellent but book early. Worth being a friend - costs £50 - for early booking and queue jumping on the day (eek guilt etc).

The LSE festival (feb each year) is always interesting - this year there were some good creative writing classes on offer - all is free of cost.

Thanks!!

A bit random but watch the BBC website too - sign up to "be in the audience" for emails. Lots of opportunities to hear interesting people - absolutely free! For example last year we got free tickets to the Dylan Thomas festival in laharne (sorry can't spell it) where we heard Andrew Davies (!), Sian Phillips, (saw) Tom Hollander, heard Owen sheers .... And nice food.

I go to the Ways with Words - one in Southwold, one in Devon and one in the Lake District. Quite small and you see some same people each year, which is nice. They also hold writing, art and photography courses, always in beautiful surroundings.