Our Story
About the Morpeth Book Festival
The Morpeth Book Festival was established in 2021 as a collaboration between the Greater Morpeth Development Trust and Morpeth Library. A small team of four launched the first festival on 9 and 10 April 2022. The success of our first festival encouraged the team to continue with an annual festival. The 2026 festival was the most successful with an audience of 1000. This is quite an accomplishment for a weekend book festival.
Our Mission
We offer a wide range of literary interests so we don't focus on one genre. We have over the years provided authors of crime, history, sports, mysteries, children's programmes and poetry.
Each year, we curate a programme that spans fiction, non-fiction, poetry, chidren's literature and more.
Literature for All
We believe everyone deserves access to great books and the joy of reading.
Community First
Located in Northumberland's county town, we celebrate local authors alongside national talent.
Inclusivity
We're committed to creating a welcoming, accessible festival for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Excellence
Our curated programme champions the very best in contemporary writing.
The People Behind It
Meet the Team
Frank Rescigno
Morpeth Book Festival Director
Philip Kramer
Deputy Festival Director
Sarah Jayne Kennedy-Robson
Director of Author Engagement
Ian Leech
Committee Member - Publicity
Lyn Robson
Committee Member - Volunteer Coordinator
Francesca Dicksee
Committee Member - Social Media
Julie Whiteman
Committee Member - Deputy Author Engagement
Fid Bleasdale
Committee Member - Sponsorship/Extended Programme
Shirley Richards
Committee Member - Sponsorship/Website updates