Literary Festival Sponsorship
The UK’s booming book festival programme is set to spring back into action in 2023, with events planned in town halls and tented villages across the nation. Baillie Gifford is a proud sponsor of literary events large and small, bringing authors and readers together for discussion and inspiration. Many of the writers from the events we have supported can also be found discussing their works in the author interview section of our website.
Below you can find out more about the festivals we support.
2023 Festivals
Cambridge Literary Festival - 19-23 AprilCambridge Literary Festival attracts some of the best writers, thinkers and speakers to the university city each year. The spring festival, taking place in April, will return to venues around Cambridge, and the winter festival will return in November. Footage of the events from the two years can also be viewed of the Cambridge Literary Festival Player. Baillie Gifford has been a principal sponsor for many years and this year we are supporting a series of non-fiction events.
Stratford Literary Festival – 2-7 MayStratford Literary Festival offers a wide range of author events and debates. The spring festival, held in May will return to being an in-person event taking in venues across the picturesque town of Stratford Upon Avon. Baillie Gifford has supported the festival for many years and remains the headline sponsor.
Boswell Book Festival – 12-14 MayBoswell Book Festival is an annual literary festival dedicated to biography and memoir, set in the spectacular grounds of Dumfries House, Ayrshire. Taking place in May, the festival brings together a range of writers whose life stories inspire stimulating discussion and debate. Baillie Gifford has a been a major supporter for many years and continues to sponsor the marquee venue.
Hay Festival – 25 May - 4 JuneHay Festival is hailed as one of the world’s best literary festivals. Held in May and June each year, the festival attracts a global audience to share in a celebration of big ideas and great stories. This year the festival will welcome authors and audiences back to the festival site on the outskirts of Hay-on-Wye. Baillie Gifford became a sponsor in 2016 and remains the principal sponsor.
The Borders Book Festival – 15-18 JuneThe Borders Book Festival is based in Melrose in the Scottish Borders. It is a place where words come alive through a blend of entertaining and thought-provoking events, including literature, sport and comedy. This summer the festival returns to Harmony Garden and all the latest news can be found on the festival website.
Bradford Literature Festival – 23 June - 2 JulyBradford Literature Festival is a cultural and literary extravaganza celebrating the written and spoken word. Held over 10 days each summer, the festival blends new with old, combining the work of leading writers, performers and poets with emerging talent. A new addition to our sponsorship programme, Baillie Gifford will be supporting a series of events taking place at the festival.
Edinburgh International Book Festival – 12- 28 AugustEdinburgh International Book Festival is one of the leading literary festivals in the world and takes place in August each year. This year the festival will remain at Edinburgh College of Art and will deliver both in-person and digital events. The festival site offers a bookshop and a café, as well as an opportunity to watch events on screen in the courtyard. Baillie Gifford has been the headline sponsor for many years, supporting the programmes for schools and children, and Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust supports a series of non-fiction events.
Wimbledon BookFest – 22 September to 1 OctoberWimbledon Bookfest is an arts and education festival and hosts events with writers across genres including literature, current affairs, poetry, science, politics, and entertainment. This year the festival will continue to deliver two smaller live in-person festivals: Sunrise in June and Sunset in September. Both will take place in the beautiful setting of Wimbledon Common. Now in our six year of supporting the festival, Baillie Gifford remains the sponsor of the main festival venue.
Wigtown Book Festival – 22 September – 1 OctoberWigtown Book Festival, held in Scotland’s National Book Town, set amid the beautiful countryside of Dumfries and Galloway. It hosts a range of author, art, theatre, film and music events. Baillie Gifford has sponsored the festival for many years and continues to support the children’s and school’s programmes along with events taking place in the community throughout the year.
Henley Literary Festival – 30 September - 8 OctoberHenley Literary Festival is a popular event in the literary calendar, held in the autumn in the riverside town of Henley-on-Thames. The festival brings together prominent writers and journalists from far and wide, covering topics ranging from science and technology, politics, fiction, sport and entertainment. Baillie Gifford has supported the festival for many years and remains the headline sponsor.
The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival – 6 - 15 OctoberThe Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival is one of the longest-running literature festivals in the world. The annual autumn festival is an event where writers and thinkers come together in a celebration of literary creativity. Baillie Gifford has remained a principal sponsor for many years, and currently supports a series of non-fiction events and as well as a festival venue.
