What's on
Derby Book Festival is back for Summer 2025!
This year, we have events taking place from May 23rd – 1st June and as always, there’s something for everyone. If you can’t make it in-person, we have recorded options available, so you can catch up from the comfort of home.
This year we’re bringing books to life with over 70 events across the city, a very special year to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. Once again, we’re including some of the most celebrated, entertaining and well-loved authors and poets…Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Hollie McNish, Clare Chambers, Alan Johnson, James Naughtie, Gabriel Gatehouse, Alison Weir, Gareth Russell and Kathryn Eccleston!
There’s something for everyone whatever your age and interest – from afternoon teas to Prime Ministers, art to running, conspiracy theories to travel. On Saturday 25 May there’ll be a special Takeover Day at Derby College with all events taking place under one roof, including events, writing workshops and the annual Book Quiz.
This year’s programme includes FREE events for families including joining our Shared Reading volunteers to enjoy the hilarious ‘If I Were Prime Minister’ by Trygve Skaug and Ella Okstad – one of the titles shortlisted for the Derby Children’s Picture Book Award, during which the workshop we will support children with their application for a Blue Peter Book Badge. Other events include an interactive family performance by ‘Wrongsemble’ Theatre Company which takes place various times at Derby Theatre for £7 . We also have Ruth Amos and her book ‘The Inventor’s Workshop’ where you can take part in some invention fun for £8 at The Museum of Making on 24th May.
In partnership with Derby University, our free CivicLAB events are back and covering a wide range of topics, including Dracula and coral rescue. But that’s not all! A preview screening of ‘The Salt Path’ at QUAD which follows a couple, played by Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, who decided to travel the south west’s famously gorgeous rugged coastline in search of solace after a combination of crises in their lives.
Pick up a Festival Programme from libraries, arts venues, cafes and tourist offices across the county. To find out more and how to book tickets for all events, visit: https://www.derbybookfestival.co.uk/whats-on/events
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