Frequently Asked Questions
 
When is Lanarkshire Book Festival 2027?
 
The main festival takes place on Saturday 3rd April 2027, from 10am–5pm.
Our evening event, Books After Dark, takes place from 7pm–11pm.
 
Where is the festival?
 
Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility
O’Donnell Way
Motherwell
 
Is parking available?
 
Yes. Free parking is available at the venue, with additional overspill parking available at New College Lanarkshire, Motherwell Campus.
 
Can I get there by public transport?
 
Yes. The 92 bus from Motherwell Train Station stops directly outside the festival venue and also provides a return service.
 
Is the festival suitable for children?
 
Absolutely. Lanarkshire Book Festival is a family-friendly event with activities and areas suitable for children and families.
All children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
 
What is included in a General Admission ticket?
 
General Admission includes entry to the festival and access to all general festival areas, including:

• Author talks and panels

• Workshops

• Author and vendor marketplace

• Book signings

• Photo opportunities

• Interactive festival areas and activities
   

What is included in a VIP ticket?
 
VIP tickets include everything available with General Admission, plus an exclusive festival gift bag.
 
What is included in a Platinum ticket?
 
Platinum tickets include everything available with VIP admission, plus additional festival activities and experiences throughout the day and an exclusive Platinum Festival Gift Bag.
 
Can I upgrade my ticket?
 
Yes. Tickets can be upgraded subject to availability.
 
Are tickets refundable?
 
Tickets are non-refundable, but they may be transferred to another person if you can no longer attend.
 
Do I need to print my ticket?
 
No. Tickets can be shown on your phone using the QR code provided with your booking.
 
Can I buy a ticket at the door?
 
Tickets may be available to purchase on the day, depending on advance ticket sales and venue capacity.
We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
 
Are author talks and panels included in my ticket?
 
Yes. Author talks and panels are included with your festival admission.
 
Are workshops included?
 
Yes. Festival workshops are included with admission, although some activities may have limited capacity.
 
Can I buy books at the festival?
 
Yes! Attendees will be able to purchase books directly from attending authors and vendors throughout the day.
 
Will authors be signing books?
 
Yes. There will be opportunities for book signings and photographs with attending authors.
 
Will there be food and drink available?
 
Yes. Food and drinks will be available to purchase from the on-site café.
Please note that external food and drink cannot be brought into the venue.
 
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility is an accessible venue and has accessible toilet facilities.
If you have any specific accessibility requirements, please contact us before attending so we can help make your visit as comfortable as possible.
 
Do carers or companions receive free entry?
 
Yes. A carer/companion may attend free of charge with a valid Companion Card.
This must be arranged with the festival in advance due to venue capacity, and the Companion Card must be shown on arrival.
 
Are prams and buggies allowed?
 
Yes. Prams and buggies are welcome at the festival.
 
Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted inside the festival venue, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.
 
Is there somewhere to leave coats or bags?
 
The festival does not provide a cloakroom.
Lockers may be available to purchase directly from the venue. Otherwise, visitors will need to keep their belongings with them throughout the day.
 
When will the festival programme be available?
 
The full festival programme will be available before the event on our website and social media channels.
A programme will also be available on arrival at the festival.
 
What is Books After Dark?
 
Books After Dark is our official adults-only festival after-party, taking place from 7pm–11pm after the main festival.
Expect a fun evening of bookish entertainment, including a bookish quiz, live music, cocktails and more.
 
Is Books After Dark 18+?
 
Yes. Books After Dark is strictly 18+.
 
What is included in a Books After Dark VIP ticket?
 
VIP guests receive entry to Books After Dark, plus:

• A bookish cocktail

• An exclusive mini bookish gift bag

Alcohol-free cocktail options will also be available.
 
I have an accessibility question. Who should I contact?
 
Please contact the Lanarkshire Book Festival team directly before the event with any accessibility requirements or questions so we can assist in advance.