The Harrogate Literature Festival 2025

First Impressions 

Arriving at the Harrogate Literature Festival, held at the elegant Crown Hotel, I couldn’t help but feel a little flustered — I was running slightly late and worried about finding the right room. Any nerves I had quickly disappeared, though, thanks to the warm and welcoming atmosphere that greeted me the moment I stepped inside. Volunteers and fellow attendees alike were more than happy to point me in the right direction, and their kindness set the tone for the rest of the day. Now in its second decade, the festival has clearly perfected the art of making visitors feel at ease, combining literary excitement with a genuinely friendly, community spirit.

Talks 

Next came a truly captivating presentation from historian and author Kate Vigurs, who spoke about her new book Mission Europe: The Secret History of the Women of SOE. An amazing speaker, Vigurs brought to life the stories of these remarkable women whose courage and contributions might otherwise have been lost to history. With energy, empathy, and depth, she led us through tales that were by turns moving, inspiring, and shocking — a powerful reminder of the extraordinary risks these women took in the shadows of wartime Europe. Readers of her book can expect to laugh, cry, and marvel at the sheer heroism, intelligence, and resilience of her subjects. Without giving too much away, there was one story from the Netherlands that particularly stood out — a tale so astonishing it almost defies belief. But, as Vigurs reminded us, sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction — and for that one, you’ll have to read the book to find out.

Book Shop and Signings 

The festival’s bookshop, run and supplied by Waterstones, was a real highlight — a treasure trove of titles by all the authors featured across the weekend. Every book mentioned or discussed during the sessions was right there to browse and buy, making it impossible to leave empty-handed. The book signing afterwards was just as enjoyable and impressively well organised. The authors were warm, approachable, and genuinely pleased to chat with readers — which was a relief for someone like me who can get a little nervous speaking to my favourite writers. Conversations flowed easily, and it was lovely to see everyone, authors and attendees alike, leaving with signed books, great memories, and smiles on their faces.

Families and Children 

One of the lovely aspects of the Harrogate Literature Festival is how inclusive it is — there’s something for everyone, including families and younger readers. The programme features a range of events designed especially for children of reading age, from interactive storytelling sessions to workshops that spark imagination and creativity. It’s wonderful to see families enjoying the festival together, with little ones discovering the joy of books and meeting authors who make reading come alive. This family-friendly focus adds an extra layer of warmth and accessibility, showing that the festival truly celebrates a love of stories at every age.

The Cafe  

To round off the day, the café at the Crown Hotel was the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the friendly festival atmosphere. The staff were genuinely lovely — cheerful, helpful, and clearly enjoying the buzz of the event — and the service was quick despite how busy it was. Sitting down with a good cup of coffee after a day of talks and book signings felt like just the right way to end the experience, giving me a moment to reflect on everything I’d heard and enjoyed. It was the ideal finishing touch to a day that combined inspiration, warmth, and great conversation

Upcoming Events 

If you did not get the chance to experience the literature festival this year, do not despair! 

There are plenty of upcoming cultural events in Harrogate for you to enjoy. See the Harrogate Intention Festival Website for more information and book your next adventure!