Barnsley Book Festival’s stellar 2025 line-up is a real page-turner
Barnsley Libraries is bringing the magic of books to life with a second edition of its festival, from Saturday, February 15, to Saturday March, 8.
Whether you’re a poetry buff, a fiction fanatic, or just love a good story, the festival is the chance to meet acclaimed authors, poets, and writers, discover new stories, and celebrate a shared love for reading.
FIND OUT MORE: Most events are free, but booking is required to manage audience numbers - for full details and availability, see visitbarnsley.co.uk/barnsleybookfestival.
FREE eGuide: Read the updated official festival guide now online at bit.ly/barnsleybookfestival2025.
Superstar children’s author Michael Rosen, celebrating 50 years since the release of his first book and 35 years of his classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, is leading the charge along with the town’s own queen of feel-good fiction, Milly Johnson.
Both their events are sold out Milly’s talk and signing, launching her latest novel, Same Time Next Week, will be streamed live from Barnsley Library so fans can still get involved on Thursday February 27, from 7pm. Watch at Barnsley Libraries, The Yorkshire Post and The Star Facebook pages.
There are many other events, workshops, and activities to book onto across Barnsley, from conversations with acclaimed authors on the inspiration behind their stories, to exciting family activities over half-term to spark younger readers’ creativity.
As part of Barnsley Book Festival’s diverse 2025 programme, it will celebrate themes such as the natural world, new works, and local authors.
Some of the highlights of the festival include:
* A talk with Catherine Barr, who will be sharing the fascinating story of wolves in Yellowstone Park, and delving into her latest book, The Story of Dinosaurs.
* An enchanting evening with acclaimed author Rosie Garland as she introduces her spellbinding new short story collection ‘Your Sons and Your Daughters Are Beyond’.
* An evening in the company of wildlife presenter and nature writer Ajay Tegala, where he’ll be talking about his experiences as a ranger in the UK, as well as various media appearances, including on BBC Springwatch.
* Events hosting acclaimed poets Maria Ferguson and Toria Garbutt, and local authors including Hilary Robinson and Ian McMillan.
Anna Hartley, Executive Director for Public Health and Communities, said: “Barnsley Book Festival is a fantastic opportunity for our communities in Barnsley and beyond to come together and celebrate the joy of reading.
“We’re really proud to be able to host and support an event in Barnsley that highlights the talents of local authors, invites people to hear from acclaimed writers, and celebrates a love for reading.”
Barnsley Book Festival is supported using public funding from the Arts Council England as part of Barnsley Libraries’ National Portfolio Organisation activity.
WATCH: The first-ever Barnsley Book Festival has brought a host of brilliant authors, poets, writers, artists and speakers to Barnsley to celebrate our shared love for reading. Poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan has written Speaking Volumes to reflect and celebrate the success of the first-ever edition of the Barnsley Book Festival - watch here.
Barnsley Book Festival is supported using public funding from the Arts Council England as part of Barnsley Libraries’ National Portfolio Organisation activity.
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