Popular book festival returns to Carlisle!
After a two-year hiatus, Borderlines Carlisle Book Festival is due to return to the border city this November.
With 11 fantastic events running from Tuesday 4 November to Sunday 16 November, sessions will take place at Tullie, Cakes & Ale (both Castle Street) and The Old Fire Station.
The festival, a celebration of the written and spoken word, features a wide range of events and author talks, covering fiction, non-fiction & poetry – and as always, has a distinctly Cumbrian flavour!
The programme kicks off on Tuesday 4 November at the Old Fire Station with crime writer LJ Ross, best known for her chart-topping (and thrilling) DCI Ryan murder mystery series. Ross will be reading from her forthcoming book, Berwick, out on November 10.
The following week, our ‘In Conversation’ event will feature two further crime writing heavyweights, multiple award-winning MW Craven (author of the Tilly & Poe series) and Abir Mukherjee (author of the best-selling Wyndham & Bannerjee series). Mukherjee’s Hunted, this year’s British Book Awards Crime Thriller of the Year 2025 is sure to get a mention, as well as his new novel The Burning Grounds, due out on November 13th. Fans of Craven will no doubt be desperate to quiz him on what’s coming next for beloved duo Tilly & Poe after recent revelations in his latest instalment The Final Vow, which was released this summer. Craven and Mukherjee will be appearing at The Old Fire Station on Monday 10 November.
Speakers attending the festival include change specialist Eleanor Tweddell, biographer Jenny Uglow; author and memoirist Jenn Ashworth; author and critic Graham Robb and publisher, writer and broadcaster Dave Felton. We are also delighted to welcome Alan Johnson, who returns to the festival with his biography of Harold Wilson and sustainability expert Mike Berners-Lee.
Appearing at Borderlines for the first time is author KJ Whittle, who will be discussing her debut novel, Seven Reasons to Murder Your Dinner Guests, at a ‘Tea & Cake’ event at Cakes & Ale – perfect for a book club night out!
In great news for poetry lovers, the popular Borderlines Poetry Open Mic Night will return to Cakes & Ale on Friday 14 November. This informal, relaxed event is free (but ticketed) and provides a platform for local poets to share their work. All levels of experience welcomed – supportive atmosphere guaranteed.
In previous years, the packed programme has run across multiple venues simultaneously – meaning book lovers had to choose between favourite authors if they clashed. This year, in response to feedback, events all run at separate times, so festival-goers can attend as many events as their interests and budget allows.
Borderlines are proud to be working in partnership with Carlisle’s independent bookshop, Bookends and copies of all titles will be available from the festival shop. Some authors will also be offering signed copies.
Tickets start at £10 with a £2 discount across all events for U26s.
The full programme can be found at www.borderlinescarlisle.co.uk and tickets are on sale now!
Festival Chair Anna Smalley says: “We’re absolutely delighted with the Borderlines line-up this year, and excited to be bringing it back to the city. The Borderlines committee passionately believes that reading, writing and literary festivals should be enjoyed by everyone, and we are proud of the fact our Cumbrian theme showcases local talent – as well as highlighting the fabulous landscape within which they work!”
The festival is grateful for event sponsors Eric Hagan Opticians and Architects Plus. Thanks also to Border Offset Printers and festival partners, Tullie and Bookends.
To learn more about what’s happening, follow Cumbria Guide on our social media
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