The 2022 Festival has finished and the return to an almost entirely live format has clearly been a huge success. Over four days we held 27 live and 5 Zoom speaker sessions, 2 writing workshops and 6 tours of our local book printing factory. We also had a six-day schools and young people's programme engaging around 800 under-16s in workshops and tutorials.
The biggest name speakers sold out long before the Festival started and we engaged audiences not only on traditional literary themes but also in book-based sessions on archaeology, warfare and speedway. Brilliant autumn weather gave visitors the chance to experience Berwick's historic attractions and our Eventbrite rating is 4.6 out of 5, not bad for a first outing on the system!
All this is organised by a volunteer team, to whom huge thanks are due, as they are to our local sponsors, Patrons and friends. Keeping going through lockdown by running online festivals in 2020 and 2021 clearly stood us in good stead, as the outstanding roll of speakers this year shows.
Whether a returning supporter or a first-time attendee, we look forward to welcoming you to our 10th Festival taking place 12-15 October 2023.

Michael Gallico
Chair, BLF Steering Group