British novelist Helen Fielding, best known for creating the Bridget Jones phenomenon, will headline this year’s Festival of Expanded Literature in Magaluf (FLEM). The 2025 edition of the event will be held from 2 to 5 October at the Innside Calvià Beach hotel and is expected to draw audiences from across Spain and beyond.
Fielding, who first introduced her famous character through a column in The Independent before publishing Bridget Jones’s Diary in 1996, has seen her work translated into more than 40 languages and adapted into hit films starring Renée Zellweger. Her visit to Mallorca marks a rare public appearance in Spain and is billed as a highlight of the festival programme.
Joining her on the line-up is writer and broadcaster Bob Pop, recognised for his sharp commentary on Spanish television and radio as well as for books including Un miércoles de enero and Días ajenos. At FLEM, he will step into the spotlight with one of his trademark monologues, blending humour and social critique.
The musical side of the festival will be represented by singer-songwriter Ona Mafalda, a London-born artist with Mallorcan heritage. She will preview songs from her forthcoming album, a project shaped by influences ranging from the Mediterranean and the Balkans to London and New York, producing a sound that is both eclectic and distinctive.
These names join an already impressive roster that features John Boyne, Pedro Mairal, Dolores Reyes, Antònia Vicens, María Oruña, Blanca Lacasa, Megan Maxwell, Agustina Guerrero, Eva Baltasar and Glòria de Castro. Organised by independent bookshop Rata Corner in collaboration with Innside by Meliá, the festival blends literature with music, poetry, performance and its signature “Secret Rooms”. The full programme is due to be unveiled in September.