Liverpool book festival set to be the city’s biggest ever this September

Liverpool’s biggest ever book festival is landing at Invisible Wind Factory and Make CIC on Sunday 7 September — and it’s shaping up to be a must for book lovers of all ages.

The debut event of the book festival will bring together more than 60 authors selling their books directly, alongside special guests, live music, street food, Q&As and family activities throughout the day.

Some familiar faces are on the guest list, including the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Barbara Murray, local broadcasting legend Billy Butler, Sunday Times bestseller Caroline Corcoran, Amazon chart-topper Conrad Jones and horror icon Ramsey Campbell. There’ll also be Marvel writers Tim Quinn and Alan Cowsill, Beano artist Nigel Parkinson, award-winning comedian Gary Skyner, celebrity chef Dave Critchley, punk legend Phil Jones and many more.

Visitors can meet respected publishers like Estelle Maher from Tauk Publishing, Canelo, Northodox Press and Susan Westoby. Local favourite Bob Stone’s Write Blend bookshop will be there too.

The festival promises something for everyone. Expect fascinating on-stage Q&As, live acoustic sets from local talent like Primal Live winner Sam Leyden and DJs from Medicine Men. Foodies can grab a bite from Devina’s Mauritian Kitchen, Piadina Pronto or Rhok Crepes, and there’ll be plenty of artisan stalls to browse.

Award-winning mind coach Alison Blackler and Icelandic life coach Linda Baldvinsdottir will also be sharing their expertise. For families, there’ll be storytelling sessions, kids’ creative workshops with Helen Poole, poetry from Zonked and a ‘Find Your Flow’ workshop for adults with top coach John Bullock.

The festival’s founder Justin Hopper said:
“As a writer myself, I know how hard it is for authors to get their books seen. With Liverpool Book Festival, I want to give them a proper platform and bring readers and writers together in a fun and affordable way. It’s all about keeping creativity alive.”

Two local charities will benefit too. Builder Book, set up by Natalie Reeves-Billing and Jude C Lennon, provides creative packs for kids to help bridge gaps in education. Inspiring Minds CIC will also receive support for their Embracing The Extraordinary book, which helps parents of neurodivergent children. Both charities get a free stand and a share of ticket sales.

The whole day costs just £10 and there are plans for the festival to return twice a year, giving writers more chances to get their books into readers’ hands and giving fans the chance to meet authors face to face — and even get a portrait drawn by the original Dennis The Menace illustrator.