Celebrate books, music & creativity at Cranleigh Arts Book Fest 2026

Cranleigh Arts Book Fest returns for its third year this spring, exploring history, music, literature and more.

From a royal photographer’s inside story and the creation of Winnie-the-Pooh to David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, writing workshops, poetry and lively conversation, Cranleigh Arts Book Fest is a celebration of stories in all their forms.

The festival begins on Tuesday 28 April 2026 with Travelling in Time: 160 Years of H. G. Wells. Patrick Parrinder, author of numerous books on Wells, explores the writer’s visions of “the shape of things to come” alongside key moments from his life, including his teenage years in and around Midhurst and cycling trips through Surrey later recalled in The Wheels of Chance.

You’ll know Larry Lamb from Gavin & Stacey and EastEnders, but perhaps not as a poet. The celebrated actor, author and radio presenter will share personal stories and reflections from his career, along with some of his original poetry, on Monday 4 May.

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon – part of the club’s legendary back four and a player with more than 20 England caps – joins us on Wednesday 6 May. Now a TV commentator, he’ll share thoughts on the upcoming World Cup along with stories from his career.

On Tuesday 12 May, writer Lucy Weldon and classical pianist William Hancox present The Radical Romantics, an exploration of the Brontë sisters and the Romantic composers, combining storytelling with live music.

Royal photographer Chris Jackson gives a fascinating talk on Wednesday 13 May about his new book Modern Majesty, revealing a royal family reinventing itself in the 21st century while balancing tradition and change.

To celebrate 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh, James Campbell – author of The Men Who Created Winnie-the-Pooh – explores the influences behind A. A. Milne’s beloved characters on Thursday 14 May.

David Bowie, Lindsay Kemp and the birth of Ziggy Stardust are the focus of Nicholas Pegg’s colourful talk on Friday 15 May, featuring rare images, archive footage and a Q&A.

Aspiring writers can also get involved. Professional writer Jody Cooksley introduces flash fiction in a workshop on 9 May, while award-winning author Joelle Tamraz leads a memoir-writing workshop on 12 May.

Local favourites The Booming Lovelies appear on 12 May, and Cranleigh Writers celebrate their 20th anniversary with a showcase on 15 May.

For more information and to book tickets visit cranleigharts.org/whats-on and filter ‘Book Fest’.

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