This time last year, the author Kit de Waal and I has just started exploring a little idea we’d temporarily dubbed the Big Book Weekend. We’d seen book festivals across the UK getting cancelled by you-know-what, and we were sure there must be some way to salvage some of their fantastic events online.

You can read the full story here.

Seven weeks later, after a crazy amount of work and gin and weeping, as well as support from the BBC and Arts Council England, our pipe dream actually came to life. In May 2020 we had over 24,000 views from across the world of 28 sessions featuring some of the brightest authors, illustrators and thinkers in the UK, with thousands more tuning in on catch-up.

Honestly, we were blown away by the response. Especially when people from a whole range of backgrounds reached out to tell us that it was the first time they’d ever considered watching a book event… and that they wanted more.

The result is that today sees the launch of Big Book Weekend 2, broadcasting live and free on BBC Arts online over the next two days. Programmed by Kit and me from scratch this time, we’re bringing the likes of Ian Rankin, Candice Brathwaite, Lenny Henry, Douglas Stuart, Guvna B, Val McDermid, Greg Davies, Russell Kane, Alex Wheatle, Naoise Dolan, Julie Ma and Ruby Tandoh right into our living rooms (or bedrooms, or baths) for intimate chats and debates alongside recommendations for books to keep our spirits high and our minds well-fed in these shitty lockdown days.

And the thing is: this isn’t a festival just for bibliophiles or author fanboys. With with 12 talks and conversations ranging from WHY WE LOVE A LIAR to HOW TO BE A MAN to BRITISH VILLAGE LIFE: HEAVEN OR HELL?, we hope BBW2’s got something for everyone – including people who can’t remember the last time they read a book.

So whether you’re a passionate reader or you prefer boxsets to books, do take a pause from the relentless doomscroll of the news, grab a cuppa, and give it a try. And let me know what you think. ✨