Books, books, glorious books!

Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival coming soon...

After a wonderful summer of world-class music, Spiegeltent grooves and Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival capers (maybe our best one yet?), September is here, and we're looking ahead to our next lot of cultural treats.

This month we have our much-loved Raworths Salon North on Thursday 24 September - more than just a night out, it's an evening of big ideas, fascinating conversation and unexpected discoveries that will stay with you long after you leave.

Hot on its heels is our 2026 Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival from 11 - 25 October, bringing together a vibrant mix of voices, ideas and experience. Featuring an outstanding line-up and covering a diverse range of topics, from gardens to politics, crime fiction to running, aging to current affairs, there's something for everyone (plus more names to be announced soon, including the Raworths Family Literature Festival line-up).

Take a look at what's on and book yourself in; we look forward to seeing you soon.

See full programme

Raworths Salon North | 24 Sept | 7:30pm

Three brilliant speakers, three brilliant talks to get your brain buzzing:

Anthropologist Deborah Hyde explores why we're drawn to the supernatural
Neuroscientist Professor Adam Zeman on memory, daydreams, and our mind's eye
Psychologist Dr Madeleine Pownall uncovers the forgotten women who shaped modern psychology.

Find out more

A few highlights from this year's Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival...

Waking the Warriors with Ben Okri

11 Oct | 1.30pm

The Isle of Good Karma with Alexander McCall Smith

11 Oct | 4.30pm

Being Old & Learning to Love It with Prue Leith

11 Oct | 6.30pm

Yorkshire Life Literary Lunch with Sophie Raworth

22 Oct | 12pm

Find out more

**Are you a running w*nker? with Alison Stankard**

24 Oct | 11am

Garden Yourself Happy with Jonny Hincks

24 Oct | 2pm

Autumn with Kate Mosse

25 Oct | 12.30pm

Find out more

See the #RaworthsLitFest line-up here

And a few words from our new sponsor...

As the Official Gin Partner of Harrogate International Festivals, we're delighted to be raising a glass in celebration of creativity and community in our hometown.

Inspired by Harrogate's heritage as a spa town, Slingsby Gin is crafted using locally sourced botanicals and water drawn from Harrogate's renowned aquifer. Every bottle celebrates exceptional flavour, Yorkshire craftsmanship and the place we're proud to call home.

This summer, we welcomed back three much-loved favourites to the collection: Gooseberry Gin, Blackberry Gin and Marmalade Gin. They join our signature London Dry Gin and award-winning Yorkshire Rhubarb Gin to create a collection of distinctive spirits inspired by Yorkshire and crafted for every occasion.

Together with Harrogate International Festivals, we're proud to be celebrating everything that makes Harrogate such a special place. Whether you're discovering Slingsby for the first time or rediscovering an old favourite, we invite you to explore our range of award-winning spirits and enjoy a taste of Yorkshire.

Discover Slingsby