Book worms standing by for Exeter Book Market

Published: 4 June 2024

Book this in the diary – Exeter’s literary event of the year takes place on Sunday and it promises to be a real page turner.

The Book Market, courtesy of Exeter City of Literature, returns to the Cathedral Green this Sunday (9 June) for a day packed full of bookish fun. It all happens from 11am to 4pm, so don’t miss it!

Eleven of the best independent bookshops from across Devon will be there, and in a first for The Book Market this year, an Authors tent will feature bestselling authors from across the region. In the tent on Sunday will be sci-fi writer & University of Exeter graduate Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, Torbay resident Sarah Pearse whose debut book was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, and Exeter bookseller turned historical fantasy author Lucy Holland.

Alongside all of this will be a plethora of free literary activities such as taster bibliotherapy sessions, memoir writing workshops, literary-themed face painting, and bookish badge making.

Come rain or shine, the Book Market will be out in full literary force under the safety of gazebos, ensuring whatever the weather, it’ll be a day to remember.

It’s the fourth year of the Book Market. Previously held at Powderham Castle and Positive Lights, the Market is now held on the Cathedral Green every summer.

Exeter was awarded UNESCO City of Literature designation in 2019 in recognition of “outstanding contributions to culture and creativity” and the wealth of literary heritage in the city, thanks to a city-wide multi-partner bid. Exeter City Council was part of that bid and continues to support the initiative.

In late 2021, Exeter City of Literature became an independent charity supported by the Arts Council.