Organisers of Harborough's first literary festival 'overwhelmed' by the community's interest in the event
With nearly a month a half to go, organisers of the first Market Harborough Literary Festival said they have been overwhelmed by the community’s interest in tickets for the event.
The festival will run from September 19 to September 27 across several venues in the town and several events during the festival have already sold out.
The ‘author’s day’ on September 26, featuring appearances from best-selling crime writer Janice Hallett and Costa prize winner Clare Fuller, has now sold out.
Also sold out are ‘Lit at Louisa’s’ on September 27, a literary walk around Harborough, and a poetry pizza party with award-winning poets and an open mic.
Organisers say there are a small number of tickets remaining for the writer’s day on September 19, which will feature advice for budding novelists from publishing industry Sara-Jade Virtue.
Families can also participate in children’s book activities at Waterstones on Sunday September 27
Other renowned writers participating in Q&A sessions and book signings across the festival include: Manish Chauhan, Marisa Linton, Belinda Campbell, Carolyn Kirby, Louise Jensen, E C Bateman and Simon Mason.
Diana Bretherick, the local crime writer who organised the festival with fellow writer Helen Kennedy, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of interest in the event.
“It’s not just the ticket sales – we’ve heard from groups, businesses and authors who all want to get involved.
“It proves that Harborough is a town of book lovers – we can’t wait to bring them together to talk about the books they love and to find new favourites.”
The organisers say they are now planning an even bigger festival line-up for 2027.