From 18 to 20 September, the island of Lopud once again welcomes lovers of the written word for the second edition of the Ponta Lopud Book Bridge, a three-day literary festival that will bring a rich array of literary and cultural events to the historic setting of the Rector’s Palace. The festival will gather an impressive line-up of authors, critics, and creatives from Croatia, Ireland, and across Europe. Through author readings, panel discussions, and creative workshops, they will explore questions of literary inspiration, the writing process, and the author’s responsibility – while opening up new approaches to the creation and interpretation of text.

“Literature is often a reflection of society. I wanted to begin the festival with writers from Croatia and Ireland, countries from opposite ends of Europe in order to build connections and start a cultural exchange so that we may learn of each other’s societies. Hence the name book bridge. Building bridges across Europe, learning from each other and living together in peace. We hope to build the festival so that writers from all over Europe and beyond will participate,” said James Candon, the festival’s founder.

Over the course of the festival, participants will be able to attend panels addressing literature in the context of conflict, the social responsibility of writers, and the freedoms and boundaries of artistic expression. A special focus will be placed on the themes of home and identity through a short story competition inspired by the Grand Hotel on Lopud, with the winner to be announced on the first day of the festival. This year’s programme also features new book launches, including Usta puna mora (A Mouth Full of Sea) by acclaimed Croatian author Jurica Pavičić, and a special literary tribute to Gibonni and the book Drvo (The Tree), based on his lyrics ­­– with Gibonni himself taking part in a public reading.

A series of creative encounters will feature both domestic and international authors, including Dorta Jagić, Staša Aras, and Srđan Sandić, who will explore the power of personal expression and poetic vision. Readings and conversations with Lucy Caldwell, Martina Devlin, Colin Walsh, and Wendy Erskine will offer new perspectives on contemporary fiction. James Candon, Marko Gregur, Shane Tivenan, and Seid Serdarević will engage in thought-provoking discussions on pressing social issues and the challenges literature faces today, while Heather Laird and Cauvery Madhavan will lead workshops designed to awaken creativity and encourage awareness of individual literary voice. The festival’s stage programme will also include a monodrama performance by Martin Beanz Ward, a vocal performance by poet Gormflaith Ní Shíocháin Ní Bheoláin, and a distinctive interpretation of Indian literary tradition.

The festival’s themes transcend genre, sparking vital conversations on the challenges of our time, the ethics of creation, and the power of literature as a tool for understanding the complexities of society and human connection. Dynamic workshops will further encourage the exploration of creativity and foster intergenerational and intercultural exchange.

“Lopud has already made a name for itself through a successful film and jazz festival, and we are continuing the chapter we began last year with the same energy and commitment. We want everyone who loves books and stories, whether writers or readers, to feel welcome and inspired here. We believe this gathering will leave a lasting impression on us all, just as the magic of the island will enrich every experience,” said Tilda Grossel Bogdanović, founder of the Ponta Lopud Creative Platform.

Now in its second year, Ponta Lopud Book Bridge reaffirms Lopud’s place on the Croatian literary calendar through its diverse programme, international reach, and openness to new ideas. The festival fosters a space for creative exchange and encourages meaningful connections between authors, readers, and the local community. All events are free of charge and open to the public, with locals, visitors, and lovers of literature warmly invited to take part in this vibrant cultural celebration.

The Ponta Lopud Creative Platform hosts three major summer cultural programmes in 2025, welcoming all those passionate about the arts – especially film, music, and literature. The season began with the Ponta Lopud Film Festival, held from 26 to 28 June in celebration of cinematic art. The second event, the beloved Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival, brought music lovers to the island from 28 to 30 August. The season concludes with Ponta Lopud Book Bridge, from 18 to 20 September, transforming Lopud into a literary haven and closing out a summer of unforgettable cultural moments.