Barnard Castle plans first literary festival

Barnard Castle Writing Group will hold its first free Write Hear! Write Now! festival on 28 November, offering creative-writing and poetry workshops, an open mic and a panel discussion. The 28-member group is proceeding despite failing to secure funding, and hopes the event will become an annual fixture and encourage new members. In the United States, literary events are also drawing readers ahead of Thanksgiving: Miami’s Book Fair runs 15–22 November 2026, with its Street Fair scheduled for 20–22 November and featuring author talks, book stalls, music, food and family activities. Charleston’s literary festival coverage includes author Julie Orringer discussing her new novel, which explores relationships, betrayal and early-onset Alzheimer’s across four decades.