The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a distinctive international showcase celebrating the written word, literature and ideas. It brings leading and emerging international, British and Scottish authors and thinkers together to inspire each other and audiences in an extensive programme of public events.

Discussion, performance and interactive events have become prominent features of the Festival, complementing the more traditional interview-style conversations and readings, and contributing to the Book Festival’s reputation as a powerful forum for the public to exchange views with writers and experts on a wide range of issues: social, ethical and political as well as literary and cultural. 

What makes it special?

• Discover new writers and meet your favourite authors at creative writing workshops, book signings and author talks. At the Edinburgh International Book Festival you’ll have the opportunity to take part in provoking debates and intriguing discussions with like-minded book lovers!
• The Book Festival is located in the heart of the city at the Edinburgh College of Art where the range of distinctive indoor spaces and the grassy outdoor courtyard offers the Book Festival the facilities to build broadcasting studios for digital events and a range of flexible spaces for audiences to enjoy live and screened events in-person.
• There are independent bookshops at the Book Festival stocking a wide range of titles for adults and children, including some exclusive to the Festival. Browse at your leisure and find something stimulating to read.