Farnham Literary Festival brings 60+ unmissable events to Surrey

As spring arrives in Surrey, Farnham Literary Festival 2026 is ready to unfold.

Farnham’s fifth annual Literary Festival, coordinated by Farnham Town Council, is a vibrant celebration of literature in all its forms with over 60 events programmed across a dozen venues in 11 days.

From Thursday 5 to Sunday 15 March 2026, the festival welcomes you to immerse yourself in the world of books, novels, spoken word, theatre, film, illustration and creative writing.

Storytelling remains at the heart of the festival. Journalist and broadcaster Reeta Chakrabarti discusses her debut novel, Finding Belle, with former BBC Arts correspondent Rebecca Jones. Younger readers can embark on an interactive quest with Alexander Armstrong, host of BBC One’s Pointless, as he introduces Evenfall: The Tempest Stone, his epic second children’s book. Expect an evening of romance and dance as Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse shares insights into her debut novel as she reflects on her writing journey and explores the fiery allure of Latin ballroom.

Thriller fans can look forward to a standout panel as Ruth Ware, author of The Woman in Cabin 10 (now a major Netflix adaptation), joins international bestselling authors Ava Glass and Elly Griffiths to explore what draws them to such dark, twisting plots. Audiences can also join three leading voices in historical fiction, Matthew Sweet, S.J. Parris and Anna Mazzola, as they discuss why the genre continues to captivate readers.

Aspiring writers can take advantage of a varied selection of workshops, from crafting chilling ghost stories to exploring poetry of heritage and identity and sessions that demystify the publishing industry.

Beyond the page, the Museum of Farnham unveils Farnham’s Literary Landscapes, a new exhibition honouring the town’s contribution to literature and illustration and a groundbreaking Tate Britain exhibition adds a cultural highlight with a screening of Exhibition on Screen: Turner & Constable, marking the 250th anniversary of both artists’ births.

The festival welcomes major political heavyweights, with Lord Heseltine, Sir Jeremy Hunt and Sir Vince Cable, each offering their perspectives on Britain’s past, present and future.

BBC Antiques Roadshow presenter Steven Moore is bringing his trademark charm to Farnham and local authors will be celebrated at a special event hosted by Farnham Library.

A major addition for 2026 is the introduction of Farnham Film Festival, organised in partnership with the University for the Creative Art, and is set to feature a series of film-based events including an unmissable appearance from Merlin Crossingham, BAFTA‑winning Art Director at Aardman Animations, the studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep.

Visit www.farnhamliteraryfestival.co.uk for full details and keep up to date on festival news by following @farnhamlitfest on Instagram and Facebook.

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