Some of our leading researchers and alumni will be part of Durham Book Festival 2026, which takes place from 9 to 11 October. The Festival brings together some of the UK's most exciting writers, thinkers, performers, and broadcasters.
This year's programme explores literature, politics, history, music and poetry, and features several members of our Durham community, including alumni, academics, and our Chancellor, Dr Fiona Hill.
As part of her podcast series Forged in the North, Dr Hill will be joined by our Honorary Graduate Neil Tennant, from the Pet Shop Boys, to discuss how growing up in North East England shaped his journey to becoming one of Britain's most influential songwriters.
Previous guests on the podcast include former Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, former athlete and Great North Run founder Brendan Foster, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, entrepreneur Sara Davies MBE, and musician and songwriter Sting.
Three of our alumni will return to Durham to share their stories and creative work with festival audiences.
Lucy Foley (English Literature, Grey College, 2005-08), author of seven novels, will feature as part of the Festival's 2026 Big Read. Her Sunday Times number one bestseller, The Hunting Party, will be distributed through 3,000 free copies across libraries, schools, hospitals, and community organisations throughout the region.
Michael Pedersen (Law, University College, 2002-05), Edinburgh's Poet Laureate (Makar), will join acclaimed performance poet Hollie McNish for an evening of poetry and conversation at the Gala Theatre.
Also appearing is Katie Kennedy (Education, Josephine Butler College, 2020-21), known to her 630,000-plus TikTok followers as The History Gossip. Named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Katie combines humour and historical insight to make history accessible and engaging for new audiences.
Durham researchers will also contribute their expertise across a range of Festival events.
Professor Clare McGlynn, of Durham Law School, will join author Natasha Walter to examine the urgent challenges posed by online misogyny and the fight for women's rights.
Classicist Professor Edith Hall will offer a fresh interpretation of the enduring Greek myth of Medea.
Author and academic Professor Naomi Booth will join writers Romalyn Ante and Sarah Hall to discuss Sleep Stories, exploring how environmental factors, motherhood, and caregiving can shape women's experiences of sleep.
Prof Booth will also appear alongside award-winning poet Kayo Chingonyi, Assistant Professor in our Department of English Studies, to discuss the publishing process and share advice for aspiring writers.
The Festival embodies the best of our University: curiosity, creativity and the vibrant exchange of ideas. We celebrate the enrichment it brings to the University and to the wider community, fostering cultural experiences that resonate long after the Festival ends.
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