Berwick Literary Festival unveils record 65-event programme for October 2025
Berwick Literary Festival has announced a record programme of 65 events for 6–12 October 2025, featuring Kirsty Wark, Max Hastings, Damian Barr and more. In the same year that Berwick-upon-Tweed was named Britain’s happiest place to live by The Guardian (May), the Festival theme, The Things That Make for Peace, runs through the entire programme, inviting reflection on the town’s borderland history and its enduring spirit of connection.
Festival Director Joan Montgomery explains:
“Berwick’s own history is contested, creative and resilient, making it a fitting home for a Festival exploring what peace truly means. From stories of conflict and reconciliation, to poetry, music and joyful connection, we’re inviting audiences to reflect, imagine and build together.”
Now in its 11th year, the Festival blends celebrated national voices with local storytellers, poets, and community talent within the historic walled town.
Headline events include:
- Kirsty Wark in conversation on life, broadcasting, and literature.
- Max Hastings on lessons from history and conflict.
- Mona Siddiqui & Richard Coles on faith, empathy, and community.
- Damian Barr on identity, place, and storytelling.
- Gwyneth Hughes on writing Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
- Janie Frampton, trailblazing football referee, on breaking barriers in sport.
- A joyful multi-event celebration of Tove Jansson’s Moomins, marking their 80th anniversary.
The programme also champions regional talent, including:
- Berwick-based storyteller Chris Adriaanse.
- Rob Cowen, whose latest work explores the A1 as a cultural artery.
- Border Readers short stories from the Northumberland coast.
- Northumberland-based Bloodaxe Poets.
A Year-Round Literary Presence
The Festival’s (charity number 1168860) work runs throughout the year in the community delivering school visits, care home projects, creative workshops and a bi-monthly spoken word open-mic night, The Cabaret of Words. This work ensures the festival’s ethos of accessibility and community engagement continues long after the week itself.
Cultural Resurgence
The Festival is part of a wider cultural renaissance in Berwick, supported by initiatives such as Create Berwick Culture & Creative Zone and the Creative Action Fund, which are transforming empty shops into creative spaces and drawing visitors from Edinburgh, Newcastle, and beyond.
Booking
Events can be browsed and booked via the online Programme at: www.berwickliteraryfestival.com