Leeds Lit Fest 2026 brings stories, poetry and big ideas to the city

The countdown has begun as Leeds will once again become a city of stories as Leeds Lit Fest 2026 returns with nine days of unforgettable literary events, performances, conversations and creative experiences across the city.

Running from Saturday 6 June to Sunday 14 June, the festival will bring together celebrated writers, poets, performers and audiences for a packed programme exploring everything from politics and poetry to folk horror, identity, music and contemporary culture.

This year’s festival promises one of its most ambitious programmes yet, with more than 50 events taking place in venues across Leeds, transforming libraries, theatres, arts spaces and community venues into hubs of creativity and conversation.

Among the headline events is an appearance from former politician and economist Vince Cable, who will reflect on politics, leadership and the rapidly changing world in what promises to be a fascinating and timely discussion. Known for his sharp insight and wit, Cable’s appearance is expected to draw audiences interested in both current affairs and the human stories behind political life.

Festival favourite John Hegley also returns to Leeds with his unmistakable blend of poetry, comedy and performance. One of the UK’s most beloved live poets, Hegley has spent decades delighting audiences with his surreal humour, inventive wordplay and deeply human observations.

Award-winning poet Kim Moore will bring her powerful and emotionally resonant work to the festival, exploring themes of womanhood, identity, resilience and the complexities of everyday life. Widely recognised as one of the most important poetic voices working today, Moore’s readings are celebrated for their honesty, intensity and connection with audiences.

Poetry lovers can also look forward to performances from the Northern Poets Collective: Nabeela Ahmed, Rachel Bower, Antony Dunn, Testament and Emily Zobel Marshall who bring a vibrant evening of spoken word and contemporary poetry; Door-to-Door Poet Rowan McCabe with his show Hard Knocks, a warm, witty and deeply personal mix of comedy and spoken word exploring community, connection and the unexpected moments that have shaped his unconventional career; and Naomi Wood with her powerful new show Monster, an exploration of the female “monster” through literature, myth and storytelling.

Alongside headline events, Leeds Lit Fest 2026 will feature workshops from World Builder David Hartley, Here Be Monsters author F R Kesby and poetry and rap star Lence; as well as community storytelling events, publishing discussions, live performances and opportunities for audiences to engage with literature in fresh and exciting ways. From intimate conversations with authors to lively evenings of performance poetry, the festival continues to champion creativity in all its forms.

“Leeds Lit Fest has always been about creating space for people to connect, share stories and celebrate literature,” said Fiona Gell, Director of Leeds Literature Festival CIC. “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.”

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:https://www.leedslitfest.co.uk/