Leeds will become a city of stories once again as Leeds Lit Fest returns with more than 50 literary events, performances and creative experiences at venues across the city.
Taking place from Saturday, June 6, to Sunday, June 14, the 2026 festival will bring together acclaimed writers, poets and performers at venues across the city. This year’s programme is one of the festival’s most ambitious to date, with more than 50 events set to transform libraries, theatres, arts spaces and community venues into hubs of creativity and conversation.
Among the headline guests is former politician and economist Sir Vince Cable, who will discuss politics, leadership and a rapidly changing world. The former Liberal Democrat leader is expected to offer insights into public life and the personal experiences behind a career in politics during what promises to be a timely conversation.
Festival favourite John Hegley will also return to Leeds with his distinctive mix of poetry, comedy and live performance. Known for his surreal humour, playful wordplay and observations on everyday life, Hegley has entertained audiences across the UK for decades and remains one of the country’s best-known performance poets.
Award-winning poet Kim Moore will bring work exploring womanhood, identity, resilience and the complexities of daily life. Her readings are known for their honesty and emotional intensity, offering audiences a thoughtful examination of personal experience.
From intimate author conversations to lively evenings of performance poetry, Leeds Lit Fest will celebrate creativity in its many forms while bringing writers, performers and audiences together across the city.
Fiona Gell, Director of Leeds Literature Festival CIC said:
“Leeds Lit Fest has always been about creating space for people to connect, share stories and celebrate literature. This year’s programme is packed with energy, variety and incredible talent.
“We’re especially excited to bring together such a diverse mix of established names and emerging voices, creating opportunities for audiences to experience literature in ways that are inspiring, entertaining and thought-provoking. There’s a real sense of community at the heart of the festival, and we can’t wait to welcome people back for another unforgettable year.”
Poetry lovers will have plenty to choose from throughout the festival, with a wide-ranging programme of spoken-word performances and live shows. The Northern Poets Collective — Nabeela Ahmed, Rachel Bower, Antony Dunn, Testament and Emily Zobel Marshall — will present an evening of contemporary poetry and spoken word.
Door-to-door poet Rowan McCabe will bring his show Hard Knocks to the festival, combining comedy and spoken word in a personal exploration of community, connection and the unexpected moments that have shaped his unconventional career. Naomi Wood will also perform her new show, Monster, which examines the idea of the female ‘monster’ through literature, myth and storytelling.
Alongside its headline events, Leeds Lit Fest 2026 will offer a varied programme of workshops, discussions and community activities. Sessions will include workshops led by world-builder David Hartley, ‘Here Be Monsters’ author F R Kesby and poet and rapper Lence. The festival will also feature community storytelling events, publishing discussions and live performances, giving audiences opportunities to engage with literature in new ways.
Leeds Lit Fest continues to be an important part of the city’s cultural calendar, driven by a passionate volunteer team and a mission to make literature accessible, inclusive and engaging for everyone.
Tickets are selling quickly for a number of events, and audiences are encouraged to book early. Full programme information and tickets are available now at www.leedslitfest.co.uk
