CARLISLE'S annual book festival organisers have announced the 'very difficult decision' that they will be taking a break this year. 

The Borderlines Carlisle Book Festival, a literary celebration that runs in October, has been cancelled on the back of delivering successful festivals in 2021 and 2022. 

The organisers revealed that the past two years had taken a toll on the festival's resources, and changes within the Borderlines Team have impacted their capacity to plan the event, especially during 'extraordinarily difficult times'. 

In a statement on social media, they said: "After much thought, lots of conversations (and a few tears) we've taken the very difficult decision to give Borderlines Festival a break this year.

"We are extremely proud that we managed to deliver festivals in 2021 and 2022 in extraordinarily difficult times but doing this took a toll on the Festival's precious reserves.

"This - combined with some changes within the Borderlines Team affecting our capacity and uncertainty over venues - means we've decided to put the Festival on pause for a year so we can come back better than ever in 2024," they said. 

However, it's not all gloom as Borderlines Festival is teaming up with their friends and festival booksellers, Bookends Carlisle, to present two exciting one-off events this October. 

First on the list is the appearance of the renowned author and broadcaster, Grace Dent, in her hometown with her latest book, Comfort Eating.

Grace Dent will be at the Old Fire Station on October 3, at 7.30pm.

Borderlines Festival and Bookends Carlisle are also delighted to announce Helen Rebanks' presence.

Helen will be talking about her debut book, The Farmer's Wife, a beautifully woven tale that intertwines the past and present lives of her family on the farm.

The event will take place at the Tithe Barn, Carlisle, on Saturday, October 7 at 2.30 pm.

Tickets for both events are now available for purchase online and in person from Bookends.