Everything You Need to Know About: New Writing North’s “Right to Read”
We recap the key details for New Writing North’s “Right to Read” programme
Whether you spend half the day scrolling through BookTok, or fancy finally completing that new years’ reading resolution, New Writing North has you covered this 2026.
To celebrate the National Year of Reading, this lovely lot have put together an incredible programme of events to get our noses back in the books. From talks with world-class authors to reading volunteers for hospital, they’re doing so much valuable work throughout the year to inspire a lifetime love of books in everyone. And as always, we’ve got everything you’ll need to know to help make the most of it!
What is “Right to Read”?
“Right to Read” is New Writing North’s – the writing and reading development agency for the North of England – specially designed programme of events for 2026. It forms part of the National Literary Trust’s “National Year of Reading”, which aims to tackle the decline in reading for enjoyment in the UK.
New Writing North will also be using “Right to Read” as the start of their long-term strategy to address the literacy crisis, with 1 in 5 children in the North East not owning a single book at home.
When is it happening?
It's happening all year long to align with the National Year of Reading, so expect events throughout 2026!
What's going on during the "Right to Read" programme?
A quicker question; what isn’t happening?! From talks with bestselling author to the announcement of the Gordon Burn prize, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can view the full programme of events on the New Writing North website, but we think it’s definitely worth pointing out that Maggie O’Farrell (a.k.a. the author of Hamnet, which has literally just been adapted into a film starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal!) will be heading to Northern Stage to discuss her new novel, Land.
And that’s also not forgetting that Booker-Prize winner Douglas Stuart (a.k.a. the author of Shuggie Bain and Young Mungo) will also be taking a trip to the Toon to discuss his highly-anticipated new novel John of John. So if you’re looking for your next read, New Writing North’s “Right to Read” will have plenty of inspiration for you!
Behind-the-scenes, New Writing North will also be doing a ton of work to help inspire a lifetime love of reading in the next generation. They’ll be creating reading lists for teenagers that’re designed to get them excited about reading, and bringing family reading groups together to help improve literacy.
Image: Man in Yellow Sweater Holding Book Beside Woman in Brown Sweater / Photo by Cottonbro Studio via Pexels / Free to use under the Pexels License
Where is it happening?
You’ll need to check each event listing for specific locations, but expect plenty of the “Right to Read” events to be city-centre based. Think venues like Northern Stage and Tyneside Cinema – it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a tipple before you head on over!
Do I need to book tickets?
Again, there’ll be different price points and ticket requirements for each event. Make sure you head over to the New Writing North website and click “find out more” underneath each event to get those nitty-gritty details.
Are there any other bookish events happening in Newcastle?
We’re glad you asked! If “Right to Read” has encouraged you to get reading again, then there’s plenty more happening in the Toon to keep you motivated through 2026 and beyond. Of course, the City Library and the Lit & Phil regularly host events for everyone; from the most ardent of bibliophiles to those new to bookish life.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out on Waterstones’ website, where they regularly advertise talks with authors, book club meetings, midnight release parties and much more. It’s a great one for kids too, with their bookish “crafternoons” and storytime with a bookseller proving popular amongst budding readers!
And whilst you might not be expecting it, Tyneside Cinema plays host to some bookish goodness throughout the year as well. Think book signings, Q&As, and special screenings – just keep an eye out on their website for more info.
After even more inspo? Catch up on our Book Lover's Guide to Newcastle!
Regardless of whether you love to get lost in fantastical fantasy worlds, or attempt to solve a crime before the detective can with a heart-racing thriller, New Writing North is inspiring us all to embrace our “Right to Read” this 2026! What will you pick up first?
New Writing North’s “Right to Read” programme will be happening throughout 2026. For more information, visit their website here.
Featured image: Woman reading book by Eliott Reyna via Unsplash / Free to use under the Unsplash License
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