THE NORTH CORNWALL BOOK FESTIVAL 2023 TAKES PLACE BETWEEN THURSDAY 21 AND SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER IN THE VILLAGE OF ST ENDELLION, NEAR PORT ISAAC. PREPARE FOR AN EVENT THAT WORSHIPS THE WRITTEN WORD
Are you looking to experience one of the best book fairs in Cornwall? Well, you must head to St Endellion, near Port Isaac, for the inimitable North Cornwall Book Festival 2023. ‘Everyone’s favourite Cornish boutique book festival’ takes place between 21 and 24 September at venues across the hamlet, including a special Festival Marquee next to the Collegiate Church of St Endellion that serves as its centre.
The festival is curated by best-selling author Patrick Gale and this year it returns for its 10th anniversary. An incredible lineup of authors are on the bill for the 2023 festival, including Ann Cleeves, Max Porter, Natalie Haynes, Linda Grant and Tom Holland. They will engage in talks, presentations, performances and workshops.
One of the must-see events at the 2023 North Cornwall Book Festival is the free ‘Cream of Cornish’ session in the Festival Marquee from 10am on Saturday 22 September 2023. Four local authors will talk about their most recent offerings and what it’s like to be a writer in the Duchy. On the bill is Eleanor Shearer with her debut novel about slavery and its inheritors, Ike Anya reading from his memoir of his training as a doctor in Nigeria, Anna Mansell reading from her latest bestselling romance and poetry collection author Sarah Cave will also be there. The event, which is sponsored by Seasalt, may be free but do remember to book your tickets in advance nevertheless.
Charlie Dore and Julian Littman perform at the festival on Saturday 23 September 2023
Another must-see is a musical experience asw the duo of Charlie Dore and Julian Littman perform at St Endellion Church from 7.30pm on Saturday 23 September 2023. The likes of George Harrison, Tina Turner and Celine Dion have recorded Dore’s songs over the years and Littman, her ‘long-time collaborator’, is lead guitarist for Steeleye Span. Songs from Dore’s latest album, ‘Like Animals’, will be on the menu.
The 2022 North Cornwall Book Festival was billed as its ‘most exciting yet’ as it boasted authors like Kit De Waal, Kate Mosse and Esther Freud, alongside evening concerts by musician Gwenno and performance poets Inua Ellams and Vanessa Kisuule. Expect an array of fabulous musicians and performers alongside the authors at the 2023 edition. Also expect plenty of food and drink on offer, as well as the much-loved festival market, book sales and literature surgeries.
Highlights of the 2022 festival included the ‘Cream of Cornish’ free session in the Festival Marquee that featured four local novelists – Charlie Carroll, Josephine Gardiner, Ellen Hawley and Beth Underdown. This year’s session is expected to be equally lively.
There’s always an absolute ton of stuff going on at this book festival, including exhibitions in St Endellion Church and bibliography sessions in the Festival Camper Van. Book your place at this annual literary extravaganza in one of the most beautiful Cornish parishes of all. In fact, this year there are discounts and early booking for book groups, so email tickets@endelienta.org.uk to register interest. All tickets are released on 1 July. Now that’s something to write home about…