Return of the Not-so-secret Book Festival in Carrickfergus

The 2026 programme will see a diverse range of activities, with seven author events and two children’s events at shop’s premises in The Courtyard, Scotch Quarter.

The festival begins on Wednesday, June 3 with Sam Blake in conversation with Northern Irish crime writer James Murphy. Beginning at 6:30pm, tickets cost £8.

On Thursday, June 4 from 6:30pm, Hazel McBride, author of 'A Queen Forged in Flames' will be in conversation with Kalie Reid. Tickets cost £22 and the price includes a book.

On Saturday, June 6 from 11am, children can enjoy stories and art during a free event with Marianne McShane and Mr Ando in the shop’s kids' room.

Also on June 6, join writer Cal Flyn from 6:30pm as she talks with Paul Clements about 'The Savage Landscape' (£12).

On Wednesday, June 10 from 11am, visitors are invited to bring their pre-schooler along for Elmer Day – a free morning of Elmer stories, stickers and crafts.

Old School Criminals will be the theme for the event on Friday, June 12 from 6:30pm, with crime writers Brian McGilloway, Linda Hagan, and James Murphy in conversation (£8).

Award-winning author Jan Carson will be in conversation about her new book 'Few and Far Between' on Tuesday, June 16 from 6:30pm; tickets will be priced at £5.

Fans of verse are invited to enjoy readings from the Femina Culpra poetry collective on Friday, June 19; there is no charge for this event.

There will be another free event on Saturday, June 20, with writers Ruth McKee and Hilary McCollum in conversation about their work from 5pm.

From 6:30pm, literary fans are invited to gather at the shop for a glass of fizz (alternatives will be available) as events draw to a close.

The Not-so-secret Book Festival, which was first held in June 2025, will be followed up with a Young Adult event in July, organisers have said.

Visit The Secret Bookshelf’s Facebook page facebook.com/TheSecretBooks1 for more details on the events and how to book tickets.