You love books? Reading? Poetry? A fun and friendly vibe? You’re our kind of person! Wild Words Festival is for people who love books but don’t “do” literary festivals. Who need a more laid-back experience.
Wild Words Fest is for everyone who enjoys the written or spoken word with performances, panels, workshops, and author talks. If Hay Festival is the Fortnum and Mason of literary festivals then Wild Words is your local farmers’ market.
Wild Words Fest is for families, with a dedicated kids tent and an intergenerational silent disco!
It’s for people who find traditional literary festivals inaccessible, with BSL interpreters and relaxed performances as standard.
It’s for people who like hot street food and cool camping.
And it’s for people who’d like to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in a bit of a literary way!
Who’s appearing
The progamme runs from 2pm Friday the 3rd June to 3pm on Sunday 5th June with three main stages and lots of other activities around the site.
For kids and younger teens our headliners are Annabelle Sami (author of the hilarious Llama out Loud series and the Agent Zaiba Investigates books) and Mitch Johnson (author of the adventure books Kick! Pop! and Spark!) We also have storytelling workshops, theatre-making activities, crafts, games, and much more.
For older teens and adults, our headliners include international bestsellers Sophie Hannah (author of the new Poirot mysteries,) Vaseem Khan (author of the Malabar House and Baby Ganesh series) and incredible newcomer Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?
We also have some incredible panels. You can find out what crime fiction and romcoms have in common, get the inside story on how comics and games are written, learn how to write and publish your own stories, take part in a mission to run a base on Mars, and learn about the man who supercharged James Bond.
We’ll also be taking part in the Big Jubilee Lunch on the Sunday so you can get to know some other book- and nature-lovers just like you! We’ll be raising money for Book Trust with a bookish raffle, and having a bunting-decked picnic. You won’t miss out on the festivities!
How do I get there?
Colesdale Farm is close to Potters Bar and Enfield. We’re encouraging people to come by public transport if they can – the nearest station is Cuffley – a 15 minute walk – while Potters Bar is a short cab ride away.
We have free parking for blue badge, CEA and Access pass holders and chargeable parking if you really do want to come by car. The parking money will be used to pay for some of the green initiatives at the festival.
All tickets include free camping, so when you arrive you can pitch your tent and stay for the whole weekend, or come and go as you please with your wristbands. Our camping is basic (water but no power) but beautiful – and there’s streetfood, showers, and plenty of good quality toilets onsite. The site is secure and well drained – no mudbaths here. Why not stay and enjoy the wild?
Too wild? We are partnering with an on-site glamping provider and can offer a four person bell tent with poser, a small kitchen, beds, duvets, pilows, and even hot showers for just £180 for the whole weekend. There are just five tents available so email glamping@wildswordsfest.com to reserve yours now!
And if you’re still not convinced that camping is for you there are a number of options from a local B&B in walking distance, independent hotels in Enfield (just six minutes by train from Cuffley.) Find our hotel suggestions here.
What if I have more questions?
Check our FAQ’s, tweet us @wildwordsfest or email emma@wildwordsfest.com with your questions!
Where do I get tickets?
From our lovely Eventbrite page! Full price tickets are £120 (adults) and £60 (kids) for the full weekend, with camping included. But if you book before the end of March there is a 10% early bird discount available, with tickets at just £108 (adults) and £54 (5-18 year olds.)
We also have free tickets for under fives, and free PA tickets for people who need support to access the event – just use your CEA, Hynt or Access pass or other proof of need. Email access@wildwordsfest.com with any questions.
Wild Words Festival 