Over the past 20 years, the festival has welcomed acclaimed authors, emerging writers and thousands of visitors to Hexham, earning a reputation for outstanding literary events and inspiring conversations. Alongside its main programme, the festival has nurtured a love of reading among younger audiences through its Schools' Festival and Storyland Family Day, made possible by the generous support of The Gillian Dickinson Trust.
The festival has always been a collaborative effort, supported by its Advisory Board, volunteers, sponsors, Festival Friends and the wider community. Throughout its history, Queen's Hall Arts has been a key partner, providing venues, Box Office services and production support.
In 2026, as the festival celebrated its 20th anniversary, founders Susie Troup and Gil Pugh handed stewardship of Hexham Book Festival to Queen's Hall Arts. With Olivia Chapman continuing to lead the programme, the festival enters an exciting new chapter while remaining true to the quality, ambition and community spirit that have defined it from the very beginning.