Lincoln Book Festival starts this week

Poetry lovers can enjoy Myths, Misfits and Minor Miracles on the opening day of Lincoln Book Festival.

The panel discussion featuring poets Ana Sampson, Fee Griffin, and Ron Booth, hosted by storyteller Tanya Akrofi. 

This event will explore how poetry draws on myth, memory and everyday life to spark imagination and insight. With readings and reflections from each contributor, the panel offers a rich and varied look at the creative process.

Beyond poetry, Lincoln Book Festival 2025 offers more than 40 events across four days from October 2-5, with a programme that spans fiction, memoir, history, folklore, food writing, children’s literature, and even live podcast recordings. 

Highlights include appearances by Marcia Hutchinson with her debut novel The Mercy Step, Dominic Franks launching his cookbook Upside Down Cooking, and Tristan Gooley (pictured) on natural navigation. 

Lincoln Arts Centre at the University of Lincoln provides the festival hub, with a bookstall from local independent bookshop Lindum Books enabling audiences to get signed copies of many featured titles.

Family-friendly activities include storytelling sessions, crafts, and workshops, while fringe events at venues like Lincoln Central Library, Waterstones, Lark Books and the Usher Gallery add variety to the programme as a city-wide celebration.  

The festival also marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with themed talks and performances, including a Regency dance. There are local history talks, networking events and publishing industry insights too.

Tickets for Lincoln Book Festival are available now, with many events free to attend. Explore the full programme and book tickets at lincolnbookfestival.org.

See also a few tips about writing from author Jack Mackay.

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Picture: Jim Holden