Brace yourselves, wordsmiths. A brand new, totally awesome spoken word festival is coming to Gateshead this December. Here’s everything you need to know about Words Weekend.

What is it?

Words Weekend is a two-day spoken word festival celebrating the power of words. It will feature a line-up of local and international writers and thinkers (more about them below), and champion diversity, accessibility and the talent and culture of the North East.

Who’s speaking?

This is why I told you to brace yourselves. Here are just some of the people that will be speaking at Words Weekend:

• Marian Keyes
• Elif Shafak
• Tracy Chevalier
• Grayson Perry
• Elizabeth Day

There will also be a screening of an interview with Margaret Atwood, talks about independent publishing, thrillers, journalism, language and life, and a Christmas carol concert.

Who’s involved?

A lot of brilliant people are behind Words Weekend. Gateshead-born writer, filmmaker and broadcaster David Olusoga, literary agent Karolina Sutton, and curator, audio producer, filmmaker and editor-in-chief of Gal-dem Magazine Liv Little are the festival ambassadors.

Our friends at Forum Books will be on hand, too, to sell all of the wonderful books that you’ll hear about during the festival.

How much is it?

Over 25% of the talks are free. The rest range from £5 to £25 so you can plan around your budget.

Where and when?

Friday 6 to Sunday 8 December at the glorious Sage Gateshead on the banks of the River Tyne.

How do I book?

You can see all of the event listings and book tickets at wordsweekend.com.

Words Weekend is set to be one of the best literary events of the year and I can’t wait to spend the weekend listening to these amazing people. Will I see you there?