The Belfast Book Festival returns from 4 -11 June to showcase NI’s literary talent

For eight days from Thursday 4 June to Thursday 11 June The Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast will be hosting a series of conversations, workshops, and events to celebrate literature and showcase creative talent from across Northern Ireland. There are events suited to people of all ages and experiences - from storytelling for toddlers, to panel discussions with non-fiction authors, a poetry slam event, and a literary themed quiz.

Check out the full programme here: Come Join Us For The Belfast Book Festival 2026 | The Belfast Book Festival

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:  “As principal funder, the Arts Council is proud to support The Crescent Arts Centre in staging Northern Ireland’s leading annual literature festival. This Festival caters to all ages and truly shines a light on the extraordinary writing talent we have in Northern Ireland, as well as offering opportunities for those interested in writing and publishing to learn from industry experts.

“The team at The Crescent has curated another terrific programme this year and I would encourage everyone to go along and enjoy this incredible celebration of literature.”

As part of the festival a special event celebrating the National Year of Reading takes place on Sunday 7 June. The event highlights fiction for young adults – a theme from the campaign – with writers Stephen Daly, Sue Divin, Jenny Ireland, and Kelly McCaughrain in attendance to showcase their books.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is a supporter of the National Year of Reading’s Go All In campaign, which is led by the National Literacy Trust and aims to help people get more out of what they already love by encouraging them to read about it.

Find out more about the campaign and pledge your support too: National Year of Reading 2026 | Go All In.