‘Translated By, Bristol’ celebrates the unsung craft behind global storytelling: the art of literary translation

Bristol is about to do something quietly revolutionary. From May 12 to 25, the city will host “Translated By, Bristol”, its first-ever festival dedicated entirely to translated literature — not just the stories that cross borders, but the people who carry them.

Organized by local independent bookshops Gloucester Road Books and Storysmith, and curated in part by celebrated author and translator Polly Barton, the festival puts the spotlight on those who work behind the scenes: translators. Their task isn’t simply technical. It’s artistic, intuitive, and often invisible. This festival aims to change that.

With 11 events spread over two weeks, attendees will find conversations, workshops, and live demonstrations, all centered on how stories move between languages — and how meaning survives the journey.

From French duels to Arabic picture books

Among the festival’s highlights is Translating the Porterverse (May 14), featuring author Max Porter in dialogue with two of his translators: Charles Recoursé (French) and Saskia van der Lingen (Dutch). It’s a rare peek into how a single voice echoes differently across borders.

For younger audiences, translator Ruth Ahmedzai-Kemp will lead an interactive event where children and families can try translating an Arabic picture book themselves — a playful entry point into the power of language and interpretation.

Later in the week, Danish author Kristine Reffstrup and her translator Hunter Simpson will unpack Iron Lung, a haunting novel that bridges two timelines and two children’s lives, nominated for the Politiken Literature Prize.

A festival that closes with a duel

The closing weekend features a live Translation Duel, a format as bold as it sounds. Renowned translators Frank Wynne and Adriana Hunter will translate the same French passage, live, in front of an audience. Moderated by Ros Schwartz, the session will offer a rare chance to watch translation as both craft and performance.

A literary celebration that’s overdue

In a literary landscape that often prioritizes the author’s name on the spine, Translated By, Bristol serves as a timely reminder: no story ever crosses borders alone. Behind every great international novel is someone choosing the right word, shaping the right rhythm, protecting the voice — in another tongue.