Four Best Literary Festivals in the UK This Year

Ready to dive into a world between pages? Here are four best literary festivals happening around the UK this year.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

When: 10th — 25th August

Celebrating the written word on an international level, this much-loved festival in Edinburgh is a great place to go if you love all wordy things, from books to the spoken word. There’s a real emphasis on creative learning, while encouraging a love of reading at every age. Kids will find a whole host of fun activities throughout the festival.

North Cornwall Book Festival

When: 27th — 29th September

In true Cornish style, this festival throws a spotlight on everything the local community has to offer, from tasty food and drink in the festival market to local artists and musicians creating exciting exhibitions and concerts. Previous years have seen poet and boxer Matt Windle and international best-selling author Kate Mosse sharing their passions with audiences. This year, Tom Holland, Max Porter and Ann Cleeves will take to the stage to share their incredible insights into the industry.

Bath Children’s Literature Festival

When: 27th September — 7th October

Getting kids into reading has never been easier thanks to Europe’s largest children's literature festival right here in Bath. This celebration of children’s literature is jam-packed with fun activities for little ones, all of which are aimed at getting them excited about the books that surround them. Talks from beloved authors provide even more excitement, with Darren Shan, Neil Gaiman and David Walliams among the festival’s previous headliners

Chettenham Literature Festival

When: 4th — 13th October

Claiming the impressive title of the oldest annual literary festival in the UK, Cheltenham turns into a big book club every autumn, welcoming bookworms from all over the world. The 10-day festival packs a lot in, with a range of family activities and ticketed events to meet every bookish taste.

Dragon Head Raising Day: time for a haircut

China is a country with many colorful days and festivals. The Dragon Head Raising Day (Longtaitou) is one of them.

This special day is on the second day of the second month in the Chinese lunar calendar (阴历). It stands for (代表) the start of spring and farming. This year, the day fell on March 10.

The dragon is important in Chinese culture. We Chinese people call ourselves the “descendants (传人) of the dragon”. Therefore, people celebrate theDragon Head Raising Day with many customs about dragons.

On the day in ancient times, people put ashes (灰) in the kitchen. This was to “lead the dragon into the house”. People believed that with the help of the dragon, they could have a good harvest (收成) in autumn.

Also, people eat special foods on that day. The foods are usually named after dragons. For example, people eat “dragon whisker (细须)” noodles and dumplings called “dragon teeth”.

Today, many customs have faded away (消退). But one that has remained is the cutting of hair. It was said that a haircut during the first lunar month may bring bad luck to the mother’s brothers. So many people have their hair cut on the Dragon Head Raising Day.

In Singapore, it seems like art is at every turn. Look closely and you’ll discover masterpieces in front of an office building, a walkway, and even on a rooftop garden, where everyone can appreciate them up close. In order to further promote art, festivals are held throughout the year. Here are some of the biggest art draws to come.

When: January

An annual public art festival, Artwalk takes place in the culturally rich neighborhoods of Little India and Katong-Joo Chiat. Visitors can learn about the food, stories and history of two of Singapore’s most distinct communities on guided walking tours. They can even experience art and culture up close with hands—on workshops with local artists, storytellers and cultural experts.

When: March

During the biggest art fair in Southeast Asia, more than 150 of the world’s best galleries will showcase their collection of more than 1,000 artists. The film section will feature panel discussions, experimental films, and new film—making practices. Some galleries will also present digital technology artworks like AR, VR, and NFTs.

When: July

The Singapore Biennale is a dynamic event that encourages folks to see art in a new light through interactive installations and exhibitions. The highlights include art tours, air performances, a film installation and various exhibitions.

When: August

During this party-like night festival, the Bras Basah-Bugis business street lights up for this multi-dimensional art festival with diverse light installations(装置). Building walls provide larger-than-life canvases(画布)for shows; underground tunnels are brilliant with lights. Art and creativity blossom through a passion for experiments.