A POPULAR book festival is set to return to Carlisle this October.
The Borderlines Carlisle Book Festival will run for the best part of a week from October 4, bringing with it an array of activities in the city's historic quarter.
The festival, an annual celebration of the written and spoken word, features a wide range of events and author talks, covering fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
As well as the usual engaging programme of author events, there’s a whole host of other brilliant content this year including masterclass workshops, the annual poetry open mic night and even a Borderlines quiz.
So far, this year's star-studded author line-up includes Nihal Arthanayake, Amanda Owens, Robert Harris, Kate Fox, Roopa Farooki and Mark Billingham.
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An exciting new element comes to Borderlines 2022 in the form of OUTlines - a new programme celebrating the queer community and providing a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ voices in literature.
A mixture of author talks and free ‘drop-in’ workshops have been programmed throughout the weekend thanks to a new partnership with Free Radical Arts and Pride in North Cumbria, and funding support from Cumbria County Council.
A spokesperson from Pride in North Cumbria and Free Radical Arts said: “Pride in North Cumbria and Free Radical Arts are really excited to be working with Borderlines for 2022 to create the first LGBTQ+ focussed series of events for OUTlines.
“Cumbria has an extensive queer community which until recently has been under represented in the county. We are working hard to ensure that events in Carlisle and Cumbria are representative of those who make up our diverse communities.
"We are really grateful to Cumbria County Council’s Libraries and Archives for funding OUTlines and to the brilliant speakers lined up to take part.”
All events will take place at either Tullie House or in the Fratry Hall at the Cathedral, with ticket prices starting at £5 - with some events completely free.
The full programme can be found at borderlinescarlisle.co.uk and tickets go on sale on Monday, August 1.
Festival chair Anna Smalley says: “We’re absolutely delighted with the Borderlines line-up this year, and incredibly proud and excited to be working with our new partners to bring OUTlines to the festival and the city.
"The Borderlines committee passionately believes that reading, writing and literary festivals should be enjoyed by everyone and we hope the diverse and exciting line-up for 2022 will help bring new audiences to the Festival.”
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