Hexham Book Festival opens strongly under new management

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 06:15 · Archive

Hexham Book Festival has enjoyed two sold-out events after Queen's Hall Arts took over the festival earlier this year.

Hexham Book Festival has begun a new chapter under fresh management, with two sold-out events marking a promising start. The events took place at Queen's Hall Arts Centre and featured celebrity guests including Hairy Biker Si King and comedian Alexei Sayle. Si King discussed his first solo book, Welcome Home, whilst Sayle shared stories from his memoir How I've Tried to Change the World.

The events are the first to take place since Queen's Hall Arts took over the festival earlier this year, following its 20th anniversary. The festival was previously run by founders Susie Troup and Gil Pugh. Katy Taylor, artistic director and chief executive of Queen's Hall Arts, said: "We're delighted to see such an enthusiastic response to these first events under our stewardship. It's a wonderful reminder of the affection audiences have for Hexham Book Festival and the appetite for brilliant literary events here in the North East."

Queen's Hall Arts said it plans to build on the festival's success and ensure its continued growth. The next Hexham Book Festival is scheduled for 23 April to 2 May 2027. The organisation has launched new Facebook and Instagram channels @hexhambookfest to share news and programme announcements.

How it is being reported

• Hexham Book Festival off to strong start under new managementTwo sold-out events have marked a strong start for Hexham Book Festival under new management.Hexham Courant · 30 Oct, 05:00
• Hexham Book Festival celebrates new chapter with sold-out celebrity eventsHexham Book Festival is celebrating a strong start to its new chapter with two sold-out events with celebrity guests.Morpeth Herald · 28 Oct, 14:24

In this story: Hexham Book Festival · Queen's Hall Arts Centre · Si King · Alexei Sayle · Katy Taylor · Susie Troup · Gil Pugh · Hexham

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