Return of Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival chosen by the Guardian as ‘one of the Top 3 literary festivals in UK’

Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival will return with a bang this autumn with a host of national treasures and literary stars including Dame Prue Leith and Julian Clary.

Sponsored by Raworths Solicitors, the acclaimed literature festival, is one of the biggest dates in the country’s literary calendar and will take place across two action-packed weeks in October.

Held at The Crown Hotel and Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate, this year’s headliners include acclaimed novelist Kate Mosse who will discuss her new book, Autumn.

Broadcaster, writer and restaurateur Dame Prue Leith, author of Being Old…and Learning to Love It!, will share her thoughts about ageing well, staying curious and finding joy in later life.

Star guests - Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival will return with a bang this autumn with a line-up including Dame Prue Leith. (Picture contributed)

Acclaimed broadcaster and journalist Sophie Raworth is the special guest at this year’s Yorkshire Life Literary Lunch on 22 October, when she will discuss her inspiring memoir, Running on Air.

Comedian, TV presenter and novelist Julian Clary will be talking about his new murder mystery, The Midmorning Murders.

Rachel Tunnicliffe, Senior Partner at Raworths Solicitors, said: “We are proud to be the sponsors of this world class Festival which brings the power of stories and the joy of storytelling to Harrogate.

“We can’t wait for what promises to be a memorable Festival this autumn.”

“One of the Top 3 Literary Festivals in the UK” - Rachel Tunnicliffe, Senior Partner at Raworths, Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, & Simon Morris, Managing Partner at Raworths. (Picture Richard Maude)

Fans of literary icon Sir Ben Okri are also in for a treat at the festival which runs from October 11-25.

The Booker Prize-winning author will introduce his new book Waking the Warriors and explore the ideas behind his powerful modern fable of courage, hope and resistance.

Another literary heavyweight joining this year’s line-up is Heather Morris, international bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, who will be discussing her new novel, The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse.

Other guests include Sir John Curtice, Britain's leading political analyst, a familiar face on our TV screens at election times.

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of organisers Harrogate International Festivals, said: “We are delighted to announce the headliners for the Raworths Harrogate Literature Festival 2026.

“This year’s diverse programme brings together some fabulous writers, with more big announcements to come.”