A global literary festival July 12 to 13, 2024 Bornholm
Two days. Six authors. One iconic island.
Discover exciting new writing from around the world and connect with fellow travelers, storytellers, and readers at this year’s coziest new literary festival. Storytelling meets the thrill of travel with pop up readings, conversations, and performances at unexpected partner venues around Denmark’s sunniest island.
Friday
12/07
7pm
Opening night poetry live:
with Lemn Sissay
Is it a concert? A spoken performance? It’s poetry like you’ve never heard it before. Experience British Ethiopian poet, speaker, and playwright Lemn Sissay in conversation and live on stage with his new work, Let the Light Pour In.
Happening at Bornholm’s farm turned creative hub, Kjøllergaard in Østermarie.
Saturday
13/07
11am
Readings on the beach:
with Stephen Buoro + Kit Fan
Come for the reading, stay for the drinks and a refreshing swim. Join us for a beachside event featuring Nigerian debut novelist Stephen Buoro and Hong Kong poet Kit Fan in conversation. Get inspired, get surprised, laugh, cry, then relax with old and new friends in the aptly named “Southeast of Paradise” cafe.
Important update: Due to bad weather, this event is now happening at Bornholm’s farm turned creative hub, Kjøllergaard in Østermarie.
Saturday
13/07
4pm
Fiction in the afternoon:
with Ursula Scavenius
She has been called one of the most exciting Danish short story writers at work today. Come and listen to rising Nordic star Ursula Scavenius read from her mesmerizing collection The Dolls and talk about what inspires the powerful, chilling worlds she creates.
Happening at Bornholm’s coziest book shop, Olivarius in Svaneke.
Saturday
13/07
8pm
Modern gothic night and drinks:
with Johanna Sinisalo + K.C. Mead-Brewer
It’s a gothic night at the theatre! We’ve paired Finnish queen of speculative fiction, Johanna Sinisalo, with the gifted American dark fiction author K.C. Mead-Brewer. Modern fairytale meets alternate reality in this evening of conversation plus reading, followed by mingling and drinks. Did we mention the spectacular scenography by Danish performance and video artist Thomas Hejlesen?
Happening at Bornholm’s most dramatic theatre venue, Kinohotellet in Aakirkeby.
Getting to Bornholm
Arrival by air
Bornholm is conveniently located just a short flight away from Copenhagen, Denmark's vibrant capital. Hop on a quick 35-minute flight, and you'll be soaking up the island's charm in no time. Check out flights from Copenhagen to Bornholm with DAT
Getting around the island
The festival takes place at different locations around Bornholm, mostly in the middle and south of the island. We strongly advise you rent a car if you plan to attend more than one event and want to freely explore the island. It's roughly an hour's drive from one end of the island to the other. Check out Nordic Nomad for more info on car rental options.
Arrival by land
Prefer to take the scenic route? Drive across Denmark's iconic “disappearing” bridge to Sweden, then catch a ferry from Ystad to Rønne (Bornholm). Or take the Kombardo Express bus at CPH airport and it will take you directly to Rønne, ferry cost already included. Book your bus and/or ferry tickets here
Where to stay
Seeking the ultimate festival pad? Bornholm's got you covered with everything from boutique hotels to Airbnb retreats and snug hostels. Locations close to festival events include Svaneke and Aakirkeby. Find your new favorite summer accommodation.
