John Grisham, Diana Gabaldon, Matt Haig, Maggie O’Farrell, Douglas Stuart, Lyse Doucet and David Olusoga among major names reaching audiences worldwide, as free library screenings bring Book Festival conversations to communities across Scotland.
- Free library screenings bring Book Festival conversations to communities across Scotland through partnership with 22 libraries
- John Grisham in a rare festival appearance reflecting on his extraordinary career and criminal justice reform
- Maggie O’Farrell discussing her ambitious new novel Land
- Diana Gabaldon celebrating 35 years of the global Outlander phenomenon
- BBC’s Lyse Doucet on the frontline of global news, conflict and the human stories behind international events
- Matt Haig discussing his highly anticipated new novel The Midnight Train
- Douglas Stuart exploring his new, Booker Prize 2026 longlisted novel, John of John
- David Olusoga reflecting on his remarkable career and the power of storytelling
- Jimmy Wales and Cory Doctorow examining trust, technology and the future of the internet
- Philippe Sands marking 10 years since East West Street
- Family events featuring Julia Donaldson, Jacqueline Wilson and Katherine Rundell
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is making its 2026 programme more accessible than ever before, with nearly 90 events set to be livestreamed direct from Edinburgh, allowing audiences around the world to experience one of the world’s leading literary festivals wherever they are.
From bestselling novelists to leading thinkers, campaigners, historians, politicians, podcasters and children’s authors, the extensive livestreaming programme opens up the Book Festival to readers, writers and curious minds unable to attend in person – whether due to geography, cost, caring responsibilities, disability or health considerations.
Most streamed events will also remain available to watch on demand after broadcast, creating greater flexibility for audiences across different time zones and making it easier for viewers to enjoy events at a time that suits them.
The expanded programme builds on consistent and increasingly global demand for online access to the Book Festival. In 2025, online audiences joined events from 63 countries worldwide (including Vatican City), generating more than 20,000 online event views, demonstrating the global appetite for Edinburgh’s literary conversations, and the chance to hear from some of the world’s biggest literary stars.
Among the major names appearing as part of the livestreamed programme are legal thriller phenomenon John Grisham, Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart (longlisted once again for the prize in 2026 for John of John, the topic of his Book Festival event), Outlander creator Diana Gabaldon, alongside global literary stars Ann Patchett, Maggie O’Farrell, Elif Shafak, Colson Whitehead, Colm Tóibín, Matt Haig, Kae Tempest and many more.
The programme also features BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet on global affairs, acclaimed political economist Ann Pettifor on the economic forces shaping our future, and bestselling psychotherapist Philippa Perry on relationships, wellbeing and modern life. Audiences can also enjoy conversations with influential public figures and leading commentators including Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, tech critic Cory Doctorow, New York Times diplomatic correspondent Edward Wong and Lewis Goodall of The News Agents, historian and broadcaster David Olusoga, philosopher A C Grayling, and historian Tom Holland.
Families and young readers can also enjoy a rich programme online, with events featuring beloved creators including Julia Donaldson, Jacqueline Wilson, Katherine Rundell, Liz Pichon, Harriet Muncaster, Catherine Rayner and Paul Linnet.
Alongside online access for audiences at home and overseas, 22 libraries across Scotland will host free screenings of selected events, helping bring Book Festival conversations to communities far beyond Edinburgh. Library streaming is emerging as one of the Book Festival’s strongest tools for democratising access, opening up opportunities for audiences across Scotland to take part collectively, locally and free of charge. The screenings build on the Book Festival’s wider work with libraries through initiatives including Paper Trails, and follow strong audience interest in shared viewing experiences, with more than 700 people attending library watch parties during previous Book Festival programmes.
The initiative reflects the Book Festival’s ongoing commitment to ensuring as many people as possible can take part in the conversations, ideas and stories that define each year’s programme.
Jenny Niven, Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “One of the wonderful things about the Book Festival is that our audiences have always extended far beyond Edinburgh. Every year we hear from readers around the UK and across the world who would love to be part of the Book Festival but aren’t able to travel here in person.
“Last year audiences joined us online from 63 countries around the world, demonstrating the global appetite for the conversations that take place here in Edinburgh. This year’s expanded livestreaming programme means even more people will be able to experience the Book Festival as it happens, wherever they are.”
“We’re also delighted that audiences will be able to access events through 22 partner libraries across Scotland. Combined with on-demand viewing for most events, we’re creating more ways than ever before for people to engage with the Book Festival, regardless of where they live or what their circumstances may be.”
Many of the livestreamed events connect with the Book Festival’s 2026 theme, Changing Your Mind, bringing together writers, thinkers and public figures from across continents and disciplines to explore how stories, ideas and conversation can challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives.
Online tickets are available now. The majority of livestreamed events will also be available on demand following the live broadcast, enabling audiences across the world to enjoy the Book Festival regardless of time zone.
A small number of events, including the John Grisham event, are livestream only. Additional events will be added to the on-demand offering throughout the autumn, extending access to Festival conversations beyond August.
To watch livestreamed events, visit: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/events?eibf_main_production%5Btoggle%5D%5BonlineEvent%5D=true