As Hexham Book Festival’s landmark 20th anniversary programme draws to a close, an exciting new chapter begins. Queen’s Hall Arts will take on stewardship of the much-loved festival, with work already underway to plan next year’s festival.
After two decades of outstanding literary programming, the festival’s founders, Susie Troup and Gil Pugh are carefully handing over the baton, ensuring a thoughtful and supported transition that builds on the festival’s strong foundations and reputation.
Queen’s Hall Arts has long played an integral role in the festival’s success — as a key venue, Box Office provider, and through support across production, technical and administrative delivery. Now, by bringing the festival fully into its portfolio, it will build on that relationship, making the most of its extended reach, resources and connections to support the festival’s continued growth.
The festival’s programme for Children and Young People will also continue its valuable work, supported by the generous funding of The Gillian Dickinson Trust, ensuring opportunities for younger audiences and participants continue to be a central part of the festival’s future.
Audiences and supporters can be assured that the core of what makes Hexham Book Festival so special will remain unchanged. Queen’s Hall is committed to delivering the same high-quality programme that audiences have come to expect, while also listening closely to festivalgoers, partners and the wider community as plans evolve.
Continuity will be central to the transition, with Hexham Book Festival Creative Director Olivia Chapman continuing as programming lead, helping to ensure the festival retains its distinctive voice and curatorial strength.
Susie Troup, Hexham Book Festival Founder/Director, said: “I couldn’t be more delighted to be handing over our successful Book Festival, after 20 fabulous years, to the Queen’s Hall team, I am especially delighted that Liv Chapman has agreed to stay on to programme next year’s Festival. Plus, our programme for Children and Young People will also continue its valuable work thanks to the generous funding of The Gillian Dickinson Trust. We look forward to many more book filled years under the stewardship of Queen’s Hall.”
Katy Taylor, Queen’s Hall Arts Artistic Director and Chief Executive, explained: “It is an absolute treat to be taking this on. I’m a lifelong book lover — as a child I was always being asked, ‘Will you ever get your nose out of that book?’ I was never without one (even reading on the walk to school, which wasn’t easy for a very uncoordinated child). My favourite presents were always the books my grandparents chose — I still have them on my shelves.
To this day I always carry a book — often a spare too — and my floorboards groan under the TBR pile by my bed. I love the places reading takes me, the ideas it sparks, and the conversations it opens up. I’ve kept a reading diary for more than a decade — perhaps there’ll be fewer entries as we take on the Festival, but many more conversations with authors, agents and readers.
This is very much a team effort. At Queen’s Hall we’re a team of unabashed bibliophiles, all deeply committed to the Festival’s future.
And we’ll stay true to what makes Hexham Book Festival so special — working closely with the existing team to ensure its spirit, ambition and sense of discovery continue to thrive.”
Looking ahead, Queen’s Hall will be expanding the team supporting the festival, with a new Administrator appointment to be announced soon.
Further details about upcoming programmes will be shared in due course, those interested are encouraged to keep an eye on Queen’s Hall’s social channels and website.