Books have the power to transport us to new worlds, challenge our perspectives, and spark meaningful conversations. As we celebrate World Book Day, it’s the perfect time to look forward to the Book series at Buxton International Festival this summer.
Buxton International Festival returns from 10 – 27 July 2025, offering an exciting line-up of opera, music, jazz, and books. Our Book talks brings together a diverse line-up of acclaimed authors, journalists, and public figures, each offering fresh insights and compelling stories. Here are just a few of the highlights not to miss:
Diane Abbott – A Woman Like Me: A Memoir
Britain’s first Black woman MP, Diane Abbott, shares her remarkable journey of resilience and leadership. From championing access to education for Black children to standing against the Iraq War, she has faced relentless scrutiny with unwavering conviction. A Woman Like Me is a powerful memoir of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.
BIF Event: 12.30pm, 12 July 2025, Buxton Opera House.
Rev Richard Coles – Death on Location
The multi-talented Reverend Richard Coles – broadcaster, writer, and former priest – presents his latest Canon Clement mystery. Known for his wit and warmth, Coles has captivated audiences with his Sunday Times bestselling novels. Expect humour, intrigue, and a glimpse into his fascinating life, from radio to reality TV.
BIF Event: 12.30pm, 26 July 2025, Buxton Opera House.
Sarah Rainsford – Goodbye to Russia: A Personal Reckoning from the Ruins of War
Expelled from Moscow as a ‘security threat,’ BBC foreign correspondent Sarah Rainsford provides a gripping account of Russia’s descent into repression and war. Combining personal experiences with incisive journalism, Goodbye to Russia offers a compelling portrait of those who have dared to resist the Putin regime.
BIF Event: 10am, 14 July 2025, Pavilion Arts Centre.
Jeremy Hunt MP – Can We Be Great Again?
Former Chancellor and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt reflects on Britain’s place in a rapidly changing world. In Can We Be Great Again?, he explores whether the UK is a diminished force or if there remains an opportunity to uphold democracy and global leadership amid growing challenges.
BIF Event: 12.30pm, 18 July 2025, Buxton Opera House.
Clare Hubbard-Hall – Her Secret Service: The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence
From decoding messages to infiltrating enemy organisations, women played a vital yet often overlooked role in British intelligence. Historian Clare Hubbard-Hall brings their untold stories to life, shedding light on figures such as MI6’s Kathleen Pettigrew and MI5’s Jane Archer in this riveting exploration of espionage history.
BIF Event: 10am, 16 July 2025, Pavilion Arts Centre.
James Rebanks – The Place of Tides
Best-selling author James Rebanks shares the moving story of an elderly woman living alone on a Norwegian island, dedicated to the centuries-old craft of harvesting eiderdown. A meditation on resilience, tradition, and the beauty of remote landscapes, The Place of Tides is a lyrical journey to the edge of the Arctic.
BIF Event: 12.30pm, 15 July 2025, Buxton Opera House.
Polly Toynbee & David Walker – The Only Way is Up
Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee and policy expert David Walker assess Britain’s post-Tory future. Examining inequality, economic stagnation, and climate inaction, they offer a roadmap for recovery. With sharp analysis and an urgent call for change, The Only Way is Up is essential reading for anyone invested in the nation’s future.
BIF Event: 12.30pm, 19 July 2025, Buxton Opera House.
Erling Kagge – The North Pole: The History of an Obsession
Renowned Norwegian explorer Erling Kagge, the first person to reach the North, South, and Everest summits, brings a gripping mix of history, philosophy, and personal experience. The North Pole is a meditation on adventure, survival, and the stark realities of climate change in one of the world’s most extreme environments.
BIF Event: 12.30pm, 16 July 2025, Buxton Opera House.
These are just a few of the incredible authors taking part in the Buxton International Festival’s Book Series this summer, with many more book talks and discussions to enjoy.
Join as a BIF Friend from £36 per year to access priority booking
Priority booking opens to BIF Friends on 18 March, with public booking available from 15 April 2025. Become a BIF Friend for just £36 per year to enjoy priority booking and a host of other benefits.