The Liverpool Book Festival, which attracted more than 1,000 visitors during its inaugural event in September, will return on March 8, 2026, at BoxPark in Cains Brewery Village.
Justin Hopper, organiser and founder of La Vida Liverpool magazine, said: “The inaugural Liverpool Book Festival was an incredible success and was covered by the BBC News.
“It has also been shortlisted as a finalist of the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.
“I’m really excited to go even bigger this time with more amazing special guests and new additions such as cosplay characters, more children’s activities, and VIP tickets for those wanting an elevated experience and access to special guest talks.”
The festival will feature more than 60 authors, live music, workshops, talks, artisan stalls, street food, cosplay, and children’s entertainment.
Confirmed guests include comedians Stan Boardman and Ricky Tomlinson, entertainer Asa Murphy, activist and YouTuber Shaun Attwood, hypnotist Alan Bates, Marvel writers Tim Quinn and Alan Cowsill, The Beano illustrator Nigel Parkinson, The Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard, and poet Keith Wilson.
Other speakers include The Lord Mayor of Liverpool Barbara Murray, Sunday Times bestseller Caroline Corcoran, author Jane Costello (also known as Catherine Isaac), chef Dave Critchley, SAS veteran Rusty Firmin, motivational speaker Ashleigh Nugent, academic Malik Al Nasir, and Beatles expert Colin Hall.
Canadian author Randolph Peacock will also be attending to showcase his new dystopian novel, 2084.
A children’s zone will offer storytelling, creative workshops, poetry sessions, and a visit from Indy the Therapy Dog.
The first festival raised more than £1,000 for charity, and this year a portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Lord Mayor of Liverpool’s charity fund and Y Kids, a Bootle-based children’s charity.
Mr Hopper said: “The feedback from the first event was unreal, and it was enjoyed by all guests, authors, publishers, traders, and performers.
“Once again, it’s important for me to keep it accessible and affordable for all, so ticket prices are remaining low, with food, drinks, and freebies added in that negate the cost of them.
“This event will now take place twice a year too — with some new faces each time and exciting new features at each event!”