Hexham Book Festival is celebrating a strong start to its new chapter under the stewardship of Queen’s Hall Arts, with two special events featuring Si King and Alexei Sayle selling out ahead of their appearances next week.
Taking place at Queen’s Hall on Tuesday 3 November, the events are the first to take place since Queen’s Hall Arts took on responsibility for the much-loved festival earlier this year.
North East favourite and Hairy Biker Si King will discuss his first solo book, Welcome Home, while comedian, author and political commentator Alexei Sayle will share stories from How I've Tried to Change the World.
The sell-out success follows a landmark 20th anniversary year for Hexham Book Festival and the handover from founders Susie Troup and Gil Pugh, who have built its reputation as a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar.
Queen’s Hall Arts has long supported the festival as a key venue and delivery partner. Now, as its new steward, the organisation is looking ahead to building on those strong foundations and ensuring the festival continues to thrive.
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.
We’re proud to be taking the festival forward, building on the extraordinary legacy created by Susie and Gil, and ensuring it continues to thrive for years to come.”
Hexham Book Festival returns in 2027 from Friday 23 April to Sunday 2 May, with another exciting programme of authors, conversations and events to look forward to.
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