EUROPEAN WRITERS’ FESTIVAL
18-19 May 2024
British Library, London
UKRAINIAN AUTHOR ANDREY KURKOV
IS SPECIAL GUEST AT THE SECOND EUROPEAN WRITERS’ FESTIVAL.
Taking place at the British Library from 18-19 May 2024, the European Writers’ Festival features 30 leading authors from all over Europe.
Bigger, better and braver, the 2024 Festival is a unique opportunity to enjoy some of the best European prose and poetry in English translation over one star-studded weekend.
Watch the FESTIVAL TEASER VIDEO HERE.
With partners University College London, English PEN, The Guardian and the Times Literary Supplement, and organised by leading European cultural organisations across the UK,
the European Writers’ Festival is curated by former BBC journalist Rosie Goldsmith.
TRANSFORMATION
Change and upheaval through politics, conflict, migration and social turmoil seem to be something we all have in common: this year’s authors address the theme of transformation in their unique ways through discussion and performance, hoping to demonstrate that debate, entertainment and storytelling can unite us in creating hope and positive futures.
TICKETS can be booked from the British Library HERE
FULL PROGRAMME is outlined HERE
FULL LIST OF AUTHORS are listed HERE
FESTIVAL PRESENTERS are profiled HERE
Read about our PARTNERS HERE
The European Writers’ Festival is delighted that Bulgarian author JOANNA ELMY has been selected as UCL’s first EUROPEAN WRITER IN RESIDENCE, in connection with UCL’s EUROPEAN LITERARY MAP OF LONDON project. Joanna will be appearing at the festival and leading a special guided walk of EUROPEAN LITERARY LONDON on the afternoon of Friday 17th May.
If you’d like to join the walk please RSVP HERE.
READ MORE ABOUT THE EUROPEAN LITERARY MAP OF LONDON HERE
FURTHER INFORMATION
FESTIVAL LOCATION
All events of the 18/19 May will take place in the PIGOTT THEATRE, KNOWLEDGE CENTRE, BRITISH LIBRARY (96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB).
FESTIVAL BOOKSELLER
We are happy to welcome back SOUTH KENSINGTON BOOKS: https://www.kensingtonbooks.co.uk. Books by all authors will be on sale throughout the festival weekend.
FESTIVAL CONTACT INFORMATION
Festival admin: Anastasia Mina contact@eunic-london.org
Press and Publicity: Michael Martins, Overton Advisory michael.martins@overtonadvisory.co.uk
+44 (0)7746 307799 | X (former Twitter) @Overton_Ldn and Instagram @overton_advisory
Social media: Hena J Bryan: hena@bookishbabe.co.uk
+44(0)65189594 | @henajbryan across all social networks | @europeanwritersUK (TikTok & Instagram) | X (former Twitter) @EUWritersUK
THE EUROPEAN WRITERS’ FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE
The European Writers’ Festival is organised by the European Union National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC) London, in partnership with the European Literature Network and the British Library, and with the support of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Kingdom and the European Parliament Liaison Office in the United Kingdom, the European Writers’ Festival is again curated by former BBC journalist Rosie Goldsmith, director of the European Literature Network.
ROSIE GOLDSMITH, Artistic Director European Writers’ Festival and director European Literature Network, says:
“The European Writers’ Festival is unique in the UK. It’s a great chance for writers from across the continent to meet and mix with UK translators, publishers, journalists and academics – many of whom support the festival. We are proud to welcome a host of high-profile and engaged partners to this festival as well as some distinguished and brilliant event chairs. No other UK festival can boast so many writers from so many countries of Europe, enjoying the enthusiasm and specialist support of so many Europhile organisations and partners. This is a unique opportunity to hear some of the best European prose and poetry in English translation, to share ideas and to ensure that the active cultural networks and exchanges between Britain and Europe continue to thrive as we forge new paths and tackle the challenges of our times.”
FEDERICO BIANCHI, Head of Press & Public Diplomacy, EU Delegation to the UK, says:
“The Delegation of the European Union is delighted to be co-organising for the second year in a row, together with EUNIC, the British Library and other partners the European Writers’ Festival. Last year’s edition brought together creatives from across the continent and allowed us to reflect on the current geopolitical and societal challenges, as well as showcase unity in diversity. This has inspired audiences and allowed us all to celebrate, here in London, our common European cultural heritage. We look forward to another thought-provoking edition curated by the indefatigable and brilliant Rosie Goldsmith.”
RENATA CLARK, EUNIC London, Programme Director Czech Centre London, says:
“We at EUNIC are thrilled to present the 2nd European Writers‘ Festival, which promises to be an electrifying weekend of readings and conversations with internationally acclaimed writers alongside dazzling new literary voices from a total of 30 European countries. Thanks to our enduring partnership with the British Library and with Rosie Goldsmith, the original European Literature Night to champion European writers launched in 2009, has evolved into a grand showcase for major literary works that transcend European borders and resonate globally.”
BEE ROWLATT, cultural events producer at the British Library, says:
“The British Library is delighted to announce the return of its ambitious European Writers Festival. The festival brings together top-ranking writers from all over the continent to share ideas, inspiration and community. Alongside a weekend packed with panels and performances, there will be a keynote event featuring the internationally renowned Ukrainian novelist and commentator Andrey Kurkov. Last year’s first European Writers’ Festival was big, this year it’s even bigger!”
ANNA HUTH, Project Leader on Culture and Youth, European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK, says:
“The European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK is very pleased to co-organise this year’s European Writers’ Festival, along with our valuable partners. The idea of bringing European writers to London audiences is an important mission for us and deserving of our engagement and support. The European values promoted by the European Parliament are in close harmony with those of free, fine literature. The Festival will bring fresh literary voices from the EU27 member states, fostering new discoveries, passionate and inspired debate, and, hopefully, new friendships!”
