Newly released figures from Lit Fest 2024, which took place throughout June, show that over 700 people attended the headline events, with a further 200 people dropping into community libraries to take part in festival-themed activities.

Launched in 2022, and organised by LiveWire, the festival runs at libraries and other community venues across the borough, showcasing a range of exciting literature-themed events and activities.

This year’s Lit Fest featured a range of different events for the whole community, aimed at promoting reading for pleasure, and welcoming both regular and new visitors into Warrington’s libraries.

With four separate themed weeks – children; culture and inclusivity; local authors; and crime reading - there was something for everyone, from storytelling and rhyme-times, to author talks, performance and workshops.

Highlights of the festival included:

• ‘Firefighter Storytime’ with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service at Great Sankey Hub, which was attended by more than 100 people.
• Tying in with Pride Month, the high-profile visit by national ballet company, Black British Ballet, who treated audiences to a Windrush-themed performance.
• A performance by the Signing Choir, story-times and activities by Mulan Culture and linking with the national Hi Vis initiative, which promotes accessible libraries and reading for people who are blind or have sight loss.
• A visit to Padgate Library from well-known author Kate Ellis, along with a talk at Stockton Heath Library by reputed thriller, mystery and suspense writer, Alex Lake - who previously lived in the village but is now resides in the US.
• An exhibition and author event at Penketh Library, hosted by internationally renowned writer Martin Edwards, from Lymm. Martin even handed out a signed copy of his book, ‘The Puzzle of Blackstone Lodge’, to one lucky (and clever!) quiz winner.

Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for communities, culture and leisure, Cllr Tony Higgins said: “Warrington Lit Fest continues to go from strength to strength and I’m thrilled that this year’s celebrations have been such a big success. It’s enabled us to introduce many more people - of all ages - to the joy of reading and the wonderful world of literature.

“Extending the festival from the one-week celebration we held in 2022 to a full month this year has proved to be a very successful move, with more people than ever engaged in activities and events. The range of activities on offer, from children’s storytelling and performance to creative writing workshops and author talks, has captured the imagination of people across our communities, which is great news.

“I’d like to thank our dedicated library staff, along with all of our partners, whose hard work and enthusiasm have been instrumental in engaging almost 1,000 local people in the celebrations. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2026!”