WHEN: 16-17 May 2026
Saturday 11.00–18.45
Sunday 11.30–17.45
WHERE: British Library London (96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB)
TICKETS: £10-20 (Concessions available) https://events.bl.uk/events/european-writers-festival

This year’s edition brings together 26 writers from across Europe, offering a rich and diverse programme of conversations, storytelling, and exchange. Across two days, audiences will encounter powerful literary voices exploring urgent contemporary themes—from identity, migration and memory to climate, politics, and the complexities of modern life.

The festival opens on Saturday with Turning Points, featuring Wendy Erskine, Fiston Mwanza Mujila and Jente Posthuma, chaired by Rosie Goldsmith, whose work captures pivotal moments that reshape lives. Themes of environment and resilience take centre stage in Back to Nature, with Zdravka Evtimova, Małgorzata Lebda and Carolina Pihelgas, chaired by Antonia Lloyd-Jones. The afternoon moves through gripping narratives of intrigue in Secrets and Lies, with Jørn Lier Horst, Makis Malafekas and Krisztina Tóth, chaired by Noreen Masud, before turning to urban life in Tales of the City, featuring Sulaiman Addonia, Beatriz Serrano and Ayfer Tunç, chaired by Toby Lichtig. A special evening event brings together internationally acclaimed authors Nino Haratischwili and Vincenzo Latronico in conversation, chaired by Maya Jaggi—an unmissable highlight of the festival.

Sunday’s programme continues with Personal Histories, where Fabio Andina, Liliana Corobca and Marjun Syderbø Kjelnæs reflect on memory and place, chaired by Bidisha. In Coming of Age, Pirkko Saisio, Goran Vojnović and Kotryna Zylė explore identity and transformation across generations, chaired by Dan Richards. The programme then ventures into bold and imaginative territory with Stranger Things, featuring Anne-Marie Reuter, Sara Stridsberg and Jáchym Topol, chaired by Tim Beasley-Murray. The festival concludes with On the Road, bringing together Artem Chapeye, Christy Lefteri and Gonçalo M. Tavares, chaired by Bee Rowlatt, whose work reflects on movement, conflict, and the shifting landscapes of Europe. Together, these conversations offer a compelling snapshot of contemporary European literature—multilingual, interconnected, and deeply engaged with the world around us.

The festival programme has been curated by a selection committee chaired by the acclaimed journalist and presenter Rosie Goldsmith, working alongside Bee Rowlatt, Noreen Masud and Toby Lichtig. Founder and director of the European Literature Network, Rosie brings extensive experience in championing international literature and translation. The committee has shaped a programme that reflects the diversity and vitality of contemporary European writing.

We look forward to welcoming audiences, writers, and partners to this vibrant celebration of European storytelling in London!

Explore the full programme and book your ticket: https://events.bl.uk/events/european-writers-festival. Day and Weekend Tickets to attend in person are available, with a 30% discount to attend on both days. Online Tickets include the livestream on both days and catch up viewing for 14 days.

Discover the Voices of EWF3: Full Writer Line-Up & Bios: http://europeanwriters.co.uk/writers/

FOLLOW on Instagram: @europeanwritersuk
FOLLOW on X: @EUWritersUK

The European Writers’ Festival 3 is organised by EUNIC London in partnership with the British Library and the European Literature Network, bringing together a wide network of cultural organisations committed to championing European literature in the UK. The festival is supported by the EU Delegation to the United Kingdom and the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK, reflecting a shared commitment to cultural exchange, translation, and dialogue across Europe. At its core, the festival also celebrates fundamental European values such as freedom of expression, diversity of voices, and democratic dialogue—creating a space where stories can be shared openly and critically across borders.