FAQs

Tickets & Booking

  • Yes, tickets can be purchased online at: https://www.ticketsource.com/market-harborough-story-centre

  • Unfortunately, tickets will not be available on the door. All tickets must be booked in advance to help us manage venue capacities and ensure the best possible experience for all attendees.

  • Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. As the Market Harborough Literary Festival is a charity fundraising event, we are unable to offer refunds or exchanges unless an event is cancelled by the Festival.

  • In the unlikely event that an author is unable to attend, we will do our best to provide a suitable replacement or alternative programme. While we cannot guarantee specific authors, we are committed to ensuring all events remain enjoyable and worthwhile for attendees.

    If an event is cancelled or significantly changed, we will contact ticket holders directly. If you have any concerns, please get in touch with us via email and a member of the team will be happy to help.

  • Our Author Day event is open to all ages, although most sessions are aimed at an adult audience and are generally most suitable for ages 12 and over.

    Please note that both our Writers' Day and all events taking place at Louisa's Place are strictly for attendees aged 16 and over. Parents and guardians are responsible for deciding whether an event is suitable for younger attendees.

  • No, there is no need to print your ticket. Once you have booked, you will receive an email confirmation and our team will have a list of attendees at the venue.

    Please ensure the name entered when booking is correct, as this will be used to check you in on arrival.

Venues & Accessibility

  • Yes. All Market Harborough Literary Festival venues are wheelchair accessible and offer step-free access. If you have any specific accessibility requirements or questions ahead of your visit, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.

  • Absolutely. Assistance dogs are welcome at all Market Harborough Literary Festival venues. If you have any additional accessibility requirements, please get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help.

  • We are committed to making our events as accessible as possible. Hearing loops are available at the church, and speakers and microphones will be used wherever possible to ensure audiences can hear clearly.

    If you have any specific accessibility requirements, including seating needs, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.

  • If you have any accessibility requirements or would like to discuss arrangements before attending an event, please use our contact form or email us at Harboroughlitfest@gmail.com. We will do our best to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable festival experience.

General

  • Yes, photography is welcome at our events. We love seeing the festival through your eyes, so please feel free to share your photos on social media and tag us @MarketHarboroughLitFest.

    We kindly ask that photography is carried out respectfully and without disrupting authors, speakers or other attendees.

  • The best way to stay up to date is to follow us on social media @MarketHarboroughLitFest and keep an eye on our website for the latest festival news, event updates and announcements.

    If you've booked tickets, we'll also contact you directly by email should there be any important information relating to your event.

  • Absolutely! Many of our attendees come on their own, and the Market Harborough Literary Festival is a friendly and welcoming event for everyone.

    Whether you're attending to meet your favourite author, discover a new book or connect with fellow readers and writers, you'll find a warm and inclusive atmosphere where everyone is welcome.

Events Information

  • Doors open 30 minutes before each event. Please do not arrive before this time, as venue staff may still be preparing for the event and access may not be available.

    We recommend arriving within the 30-minute admission window to allow time for check-in and seating before the event begins. All sessions will start promptly at the advertised time.

    If you're attending an event at Louisa's Place, you're welcome to arrive earlier and enjoy lunch, coffee or refreshments before the event starts.

  • Yes, you are welcome to leave and re-enter during an event if necessary. However, we kindly ask that you do so as discreetly as possible to minimise disruption to the author, speakers and fellow audience members.

  • Yes. Book signings will take place after each author event, giving attendees the opportunity to meet the authors and have their books signed.

    Books will be available to purchase at the event through our bookselling partner, Waterstones. At our poetry event at Louisa's Place, attendees will be able to purchase books and poetry collections directly from the featured poets.

  • Yes. Refreshments will be available throughout our Author Day at the church.

    For events at Louisa's Place, attendees will be able to purchase a range of drinks, snacks, lunch options and refreshments directly from the café throughout the day.

Parking & Travel

  • There are several public pay and display car parks within a short walk of our festival venues, including St Dionysius Church and Market Harborough Congregational Church.

    Popular nearby options include:

    The Commons Car Park – LE16 7DR (approximately 5 minutes' walk)
    St Mary's Road Car Park – LE16 7DU (approximately 8 minutes' walk)
    Angel Street Car Park – LE16 9QX (approximately 3 minutes' walk)
    Welland Park Car Park – LE16 9DN (approximately 10 minutes' walk)

    Parking charges and restrictions may vary, so please check signage on arrival. We recommend allowing plenty of time for parking, particularly for weekend events, as town centre car parks can be busy.

  • Yes. Market Harborough is well connected by public transport, with regular train services from London, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield and other major towns and cities.

    Market Harborough Railway Station is approximately a 10–15 minute walk from our town centre venues, including St Dionysius Church, Market Harborough Congregational Church and Louisa's Place. Local bus services also operate throughout the town and surrounding villages.

    We recommend checking train and bus timetables before travelling and allowing plenty of time to reach your event.

  • Yes. All festival venues are located within Market Harborough town centre and are easily accessible on foot.

    St Dionysius Church and Market Harborough Congregational Church are less than a 5-minute walk apart, while Louisa's Place is approximately 5–10 minutes' walk from both venues. The routes are straightforward and take in the town's historic centre, shops, cafés and independent businesses.

  • Yes. Market Harborough offers a range of accommodation options, all within easy reach of our festival venues. Popular choices include The Three Swans Hotel in the town centre, Travelodge Market Harborough, and a selection of independent hotels, guest houses and bed & breakfasts in and around the town.

    We recommend booking accommodation early, particularly if you are travelling from further afield or planning to attend multiple events over the festival weekend.

    For the widest choice and best availability, please check your preferred booking provider before making travel arrangements.