Literary Escape Festival: New independent book festival is arriving in Dundee next week

The new festival is coming to Dundee on March 7

A new independent book festival is set to land in the heart of Dundee next week, bringing with it a celebration of storytelling, creativity and community.

Literary Escape Festival will take place on Saturday 7 March 2026 at Steeple Church on the Nethergate, running from 10.30am until 3pm.

Following a successful debut in Edinburgh in 2025, the festival is now expanding its reach and chosen Dundee as one of its key stops for 2026 - where you can buy tickets for the festival here.

The event promises a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where readers, writers and small businesses can connect face to face.

The festival’s launch in Edinburgh last year was met with strong support from both authors and visitors. Building on that momentum, organisers have described the 2026 tour as a way to bring the cosy magic of books and handmade gifts to new audiences across Scotland.

Literary Escape Festival will be taking place at the Steeple Church

Dundee’s growing creative scene makes it a natural fit. With its reputation for design, publishing and independent enterprise, the city provides the perfect setting for a festival that blends literature with craftsmanship.

Momentum behind the Dundee event already started building at an impressive pace.

On 30 December last year, while visiting the Steeple Church venue, the festival organiser posted a TikTok video that unexpectedly took off. Over just four days, the video attracted more than 70,000 views and helped drive over 750 ticket sales across all 2026 Literary Escape events.

That online boost has had a direct impact locally. More than 100 tickets had already been sold for the Dundee date alone, several months before the festival opens its doors.

Organisers had described the response as surreal and far beyond expectations, highlighting a clear appetite for grassroots literary events in the city.

The early sales also point to something wider – a strong and growing community of readers in Dundee who are keen to support independent authors and creative businesses.

Meet the authors

At the heart of Literary Escape Festival are the authors themselves. Visitors will have the chance to meet a diverse line-up of independent writers, speak to them about their work and have books signed on the day.

Among those attending are Ash Rose, Becca Jane Rudd, Bethany Barr, Catherine Aitken, Jane Anderson, Jayne Castel, Lexie Conyngham, Lynn Mann, Mamie Philp, Nicole Montgomery, Oor Haggis, Ryan MacDonald, Shana Frost, Storm Lomax and Wendy H. Jones. The range of voices ensures there will be something for every reader, from romance and fantasy to crime and contemporary fiction.

For many aspiring writers and keen readers, the opportunity to speak directly with authors in an intimate setting is a major draw. It transforms reading from a solitary activity into a shared experience.

A marketplace of creativity

Literary Escape Festival is not only about books. It also shines a spotlight on small businesses and crafters from across the UK, offering visitors the chance to browse unique, handmade products.

Stalls will feature Dear Green Reads, Hallmade Jewellery, Fantasy Book Club Scotland, Peggys Pages, Pritty Party, Sparkles by Carol, Sugar Dreams, The Kink & Quill Bookstore and Thistle & Fox. From handmade bookmarks and jewellery to scented candles, sweet treats and carefully curated bookish gifts, the event aims to create a marketplace that feels both thoughtful and personal.

With Mother’s Day approaching later in March, the festival could also prove a timely opportunity to find a meaningful gift while supporting independent traders.

A fitting community experience

Organisers are keen to stress that Literary Escape Festival is more than just a series of stalls. It is designed as an escape into the world readers adore – a space where stories meet creativity and where independent talent is celebrated.

Whether someone is a lifelong bookworm with shelves already overflowing, or simply someone who enjoys picking up a good page-turner now and again, the event aims to create a sense of belonging.

In a fast-paced world, it offers a few hours to slow down, browse, chat and rediscover the simple joy of a great story.

Literary Escape Festival takes place at Steeple Church, Nethergate, Dundee on Saturday 7 March 2026 from 10.30am to 3pm. Further details and ticket information can be found on the official Literary Escape website ahead of the event.