Weardale WordFest is a community book festival set in the stunning North Pennines landscape of Weardale, County Durham.

We invite all lovers of books and reading to enjoy our free, friendly and informal events. Join us to meet regional authors, to experience the joys of reading and to explore the world of writing for yourself.

Weardale WordFest 24 — 26 October 2025

Join us for a fantastic free programme of talks, poetry, prose and performance,
coffee, cake and conversation. Click on the WordFest Event button above to find out more.

Scroll below for information about our Spring Workshops, supported by the North Pennines National Landscape Land of Lead and Silver project. The workshops are all suitable for any level of experience and there is no charge to take part, but places are limited so booking is essential. You can reserve your place by clicking on the workshop(s) you are interested in. Email weardalewordfest@gmail.com with any queries.

Contributors

Visit our contributor section to learn more about our authors and workshop leaders.

Learn more

Contributors

Visit our contributor section to learn more about our authors and workshop leaders.

Learn more

Workshops

You will find all the information you need about the workshops and how to book your place by scrolling across the menu at the bottom of the page. Just click on the workshop(s) that interest you.

Blogs

Visit our blog for news, information and advice.

View All
My Life In Books – Phil Mews

Where to begin? The task of choosing eight books that have had an impact on [...]

Theatre Writing Project for and About the North Pennines

Want to get involved in an exciting new writing project and create some theatre for [...]

Preparations for 2023 are underway

The snowdrops have been and gone, ditto the crocuses. Spring is poking her sleepy head [...]

Weardale WordFest 2022

2022 saw WordFest spread its wings and become what we’d hoped for from the beginning, [...]

The Loss of Hilary Mantel – Writer in the Shadows

Here at the Weardale WordFest we are shocked and saddened to hear of the death [...]

My Life in Books – Jamie Tucknutt

As part of our Life in Books series, we are delighted to welcome, Wordfest team [...]