AuthorFest 2026 returns to Luton Central Library
We’ve teamed up with Luton Libraries and SI Leeds Literary Prize to run this years’ AuthorFest at Luton Central Library once again this November!
This event is a fantastic opportunity for local authors and artists to promote their work and meet other writers and artists, and for visitors to explore what books have been written by local authors and find out more about Luton’s vibrant creative community of writers and artists.
AuthorFest will include a special book launch to celebrate the publication of local author Jennifer Bibby’s latest novel ‘Christmas at the Cosy Cornish Inn’. Hear Jennifer read excerpts from the book, purchase your own copy as part of your booking, and get it signed by the author!
There will also be an opportunity to attend a discussion panel showcasing the shortlisted writers from this years’ SI Leeds Literary Prize. Tickets for A Writer’s Life: 2026 SI Leeds Literary Prize Shortlist Author Panel can be booked via Luton Libraries website.
the six shortlisted entries for the 2026 SI Leeds Literary Prize are:
- Murder on the Moon, Nida Broughton
- A Long Ways from Home, Jac Felipez
- The Killing of Uncle Raj, Shabnam Grewal
- Psychotic Episodes, H.D. Kaur
- Where Your Hand Can Reach, Memuna Konteh
- Comets, Isabella Peralta
All pitches have now been allocated. Those featured this year are:
CLOD (local magazine publisher)
Donna Morfett (Dunstable based crime fiction writer)
Lyn Asquith (Luton based author)
Mystie Long (Luton based artist)
Darrel Gregory (Luton based writer of Military Memoir)
Urmila Afroz (Luton based author and poet)
Barbara Kuessner Hughes (Luton based fiction writer)
Ubah Hussien (local poet)
Elizabeth Fakehinde (local poet)
Alex Saunders (Luton based author and illustrator)
Craig Donohoe (local poet and author)
Glenda Cartwright (local children’s author)
Sarah Phillips (local author)
Flowerman2008 (local artist)
Sukhi Hammond (local writer)
World of Words (Luton Libraries Poetry Group)
AuthorFest will take place on Saturday 7 November 2025 from 10am to 1pm.
Book tickets for A Writer’s Life: 2026 SI Leeds Literary Prize Shortlist Author Panel – link will open your browser
