Event Summary: The Queer the Shelves LGBTQ+ Book Festival is an inclusive celebration of LGBTQ writers and readers hosted by Global Wordsmiths at the Nottingham Central Library. Featuring bestselling traditionally published as well as indie authors, the festival includes panel discussions, storytelling, and an author-reader afterparty. It provides a safe, accessible space for the community to connect over books and stories. It is the longest running LGBTQ book festival in the UK!
What’s better than a book festival? One dedicated to LGBTQ+ writers and readers!
We’ve got best selling authors, new authors, authors who are new to you, traditionally published authors, self-published authors…all kinds of fabulous authors! The list is still being put together, but it’s safe to say you can now get excited!
Join us for an amazing day of Queer books, storytelling, and community. Plus, there’s going to be an author-reader afterparty. The whole day is only £10 per person. The ticket link is below and they’re going fast, so don’t miss out! And sign up to the monthly Global Wordsmiths newsletter to get event news leading up to the big day!
TICKETS HAVE SOLD OUT!
2026 Program for
Queer the Shelves Book Festival
FAQs
Who can attend the LGBTQ+ Book Festival? The festival is open to everyone—writers, readers, and allies alike. It is a dedicated safe space designed to celebrate Queer storytelling and foster connection within the “alphabet soup” of our community.
What are the details? The Queer the Shelves Book Festival is Saturday, June 27th at the Nottingham Central Library. Doors open at 10:00am and the festival kicks off at 10:30am. The festival itself ends at about 5:45pm, and the After-Party begins at 6:00pm in the library foyer!
I’m coming alone. Is there a way to meet people before the festival? Yes! We’d love you to join us at The New Foresters on Friday night, June 26th, from 6:30pm. This is a chilled out gathering just to hang out, meet new friends, re-connect with old ones, and make it so you already know some faces on festival day. It’s free, just come on in!
Is the Nottingham Central Library accessible? Yes, the venue is fully accessible. There is a ramp for entry into the library and a lift available inside to take you to the event space for panels and the book market.
What happens at the author-reader afterparty? The afterparty is a way to relax and connect after a great day. We even provide nibbles! It’s a wonderful opportunity to chat with authors, get books signed, and listen to a few readings in a community atmosphere.
How much are tickets and what do they include? Tickets are £20 per person. This covers access to the daytime panels, the book sale area, and the storytelling sessions. It also includes one book of your choice off the book table! Please check the ticket link for availability, as the daytime event often sells out quickly.
