Everything you need to know about Exeter’s Book Market this Sunday

Bookworms will be able to enjoy one of the literary events of the year on Sunday (8 June), as the fifth annual Book Market comes to Exeter.

The Book Market is Exeter City of Literature’s celebration of Devon’s thriving literary scene. Exeter was awarded City of Literature status in 2019, and the initiative is supported by the City Council.

This staple in Exeter’s cultural calendar transforms Exeter Cathedral’s Green into a one-day literary haven, with Sunday’s event taking place from 11am to 4pm.

Twelve independent bookshops from across the county are already confirmed to attend, and Exeter City of Literature will present a diverse and community-driven day of free, bookish discussions in the Author Tent.

Those attending will also be able to enjoy a whole host of exciting and innovative activities at the event.

Following the success of the first Author Tent at the Book Market in 2024, this year’s full day of insightful and inspiring free talks will have something for everyone. There’s a stellar line-up of writers, poets, independent bookshop owners, and Devon-based independent publishing houses, who will be ready to share their locally crafted stories and experiences of Exeter and Devon’s literary scene.

Included on the roster are:

- Sarah Underwood, a New York Times bestselling mythology writer

- Fiona Williams, a Bridport Prize-winning debut novelist of literary fiction

- Morgan Greensmith, a podcaster, writer and Penguin WriteNow 2025 winner

- Sophie Pavelle, a nature- and science-focused non-fiction writer whose debut became a People’s Book Prize Non-Fiction winner

Poet and local anthology writer Aaliyah Kara also joins the Author Tent, alongside Arun Sood, an award-winning musician, writer, academic and artist.

Independent bookshop owner Leslie Leggett will be sharing the process of opening her bookshop, First Draft Books in Bovey Tracey, whilst Erin Allgrove will be exploring the creation of Devon-based independent publisher, Langrove Publishing.

Also part of the bookish festivities, independent bookshop Seven Fables will be bringing their long-time friend and collaborator, Jackie Morris – an internationally acclaimed picture book author and watercolour illustrator – to the Book Market.

The Book Market is part of Exeter’s June Boom campaign, a month of vibrant events and activities as the city’s arts, culture and creative industries band together.

In the spirit of collaboration during June Boom, Exeter City of Literature is teaming up with Exeter Comedy Festival to present two comedians from the multi-day comedy festival at the Author Tent – Funny Woman finalist and Dundee International Book Prize winner, Amy Mason, and Edinburgh Fringe cult hit creator, Rosalie Minnitt.

When attendees aren’t busy in the Author Tent or browsing the independent bookshops, there’s a chance to take part in one of the many free activities taking place at the Book Market. Highlights include:

- VR Story Swing Sets – Climb aboard a playground swing or a wheelchair-accessible swing, don a VR headset, and take flight in one of the four award-winning Leonardo da Vinci virtual flying machines.

- Bibliotherapy Taster Sessions – A chance for attendees to chat about their reading and wellbeing journey whilst receiving tailor-made reading recommendations.

- The Pelican Press Wheelchair Printing Press – This beautiful handmade printing press incorporates the weight of a wheelchair as the main printing element, making creativity accessible.

Additional activities include: the chance to get creative with Exeter Cathedral’s Riddler in Residence, Bernadette Russell; try out a typewriter courtesy of Francis Kay Vintage; word-themed face & body painting from Sparkly Sonia; memoir writing drop-in sessions with Raw Writing; and a unique short story–dispensing Literary Dream Machine.

The Devon and Exeter Institution will also be hosting an array of activities during the Book Market, including a second-hand book sale in its beautiful library space and a quiet reading zone in its conservatory and garden.

The Devonshire Association will be at the library to share their work, and Exeter City of Literature’s Bibliotherapy Taster Sessions will be hosted in the renovated upstairs area that overlooks all the action of the Book Market on Exeter Cathedral Green.

Whether an avid reader, a budding writer, or simply looking for a unique way to spend a summery Sunday, the Book Market on Sunday 8 June is not to be missed.