European Literature Festival 27 April - 9 June

In its eighth year European Literature Night (ELN) returns with an expanded programme under the rebranded European Literature Festival. Presented by EUNIC London, it will be a six-week celebration of literature from across the continent in the UK, with more than 60 writers and poets from more than 30 countries involved in events and projects from 27 April-9 June, including the flagship showcase of this year’s ELN Writers at the British Library on 11 May. As well as events in the capital, ELF will reach beyond London with events in Chichester, Birmingham and Newcastle, plus the ‘Poetry Periscope’ sound installation, produced in partnership with Czech-based Piána na ulici and The Poetry Society, launches on 3 May before setting off around the UK. The Translation Pitch also returns on 9 June, with six translators pitching their literary projects in front of a live audience and jury of top editors.

“Since our first European Literature Night eight years ago the evening has gradually grown into a week, and now, quite thrillingly, it has become a Festival. As judge and host of ELN, it is the highlight of my year. We’ve had a record number of submissions and this year the judges all felt it was the strongest collection of writers we have had to choose from so far. I can assure you British audiences are in for a real treat. The best of contemporary European literature is coming their way.” Rosie Goldsmith, director of European Literature Network

European Literature Festival is organised by EUNIC London (European Union National Institutes for Culture), with coordination by the Czech Centre. European Literature Night (ELN), initiated by the Czech Centre, was established as EUNIC London project in 2008. The Festival is supported by the European Commission Representation in the UK and with public funding by Arts Council England, and carried out in partnership with the British Library. The ELF 2016 is curated and produced by Jon Slack.