Borderlines: On Thin Ice – An Explorer’s Memoir of Siberia, Surveillance and Survival wirh Charlie Walker
Hear Charlie Walker’s extraordinary story of a perilous and eye-opening trek through the harsh beauty of Siberia, contrasted with the dark shadow of Putin’s administration in a deeply troubled nation.
Borderlines: Helm – The 2026 Gwenda Matthews Talk with Sarah Hall
Join Sarah Hall as she discusses her award-winning, genre-bending sixth novel, which was inspired by the dramatic views of the fells and skies from her childhood home. This is the inaugural Gwenda Matthews Talk, remembering our much-loved festival co-founder and co-programmer, who died in January this year.
Borderlines: Moonlight Express – Around the World by Night Train with Monisha Rajesh
Join journalist Monisha Rajesh as she explores the art of slow travel by train, detailing her experiences on a journey all around the world. All aboard for a warm and witty ride!
Borderlines: Animal Antics with Jake Hope
Do you know which word will bring mice from their house? Or what Lola the puppy’s favourite things are when she’s walking in the park? Will Uncle Jerome be able to stop Zarah from grumbling on the long walk home? Join children’s author Jake Hope for a fun selection of animal themed stories and activities […]
Borderlines: Tom McNally and David Felton in Conversation
Hear the award-winning photographer and author behind the lavishly illustrated Forty Fells discuss some of the highlights from their book and share how much the Lake District means to them.
Borderlines: Vaseem Khan and Charlie Higson in Conversation
Join us for an in conversation event with two bestselling and award-winning writers, and official authors of brand-new books set in the world of the one and only James Bond. The two will discuss their different takes on 007, their personal history with the franchise and what it feels like to put their unique stamp […]
The Shaddongate Uprising 1826
Mark tells the tragic and largely forgotten story of the 1826 Shaddongate election riot. This was sparked by prospective Tory parliamentary candidate Sir Philip Musgrave visiting Shaddongate to canvass support from one of the area’s few eligible voters. At the time, Shaddongate was home to many hand-loom weavers, including Scottish and Irish migrants, who were […]
Reverend Theodore Bayley Hardy VC, DSO, MC
Chester is keen to tell the astonishing story of this modest Cumbrian vicar’s exceptional bravery and self-sacrifice in the First World War. Reverend Theodore Bayley Hardy VC, DSO, MC was the most decorated non-combatant in the First World War. He won the top three gallantry awards inside nine month and didn’t even carry a gun. […]
Jacob Polley Poetry Reading
Award-winning Carlisle born poet Jacob Polley will be reading from his forthcoming ‘Selected Poems’ followed by a Q & A session in Cakes and Ale, Carlisle.
Threshing Day – Rebecca Yarros Book Launch
Orientation starts at Basgiath war college on Tuesday 29th September and your presence is required! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to graduate from Navarre’s most prestigious collage? Well, now you don’t have to. Join us as class begins! *** To celebrate the release of Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros, we have […]
