Welcome to the Farnham Literary Festival 2025, 7 – 16 March

Welcome to the 2025 Farnham Literary Festival. Following on from the success of the previous three festivals, we are delighted to be planning another varied programme of events.

We encourage you to try a new event this year: author talks, panel discussions and readings offer a relaxed opportunity to hear about new or popular works and learn about writers’ motivations and interests. There are also a number of workshops for you to explore your creativity. If you are a budding author or poet, you can enter our poetry or writing competitions.

The festival makes the most of its local feel through partnerships with Waterstones Farnham, Blue Bear Bookshop, Farnham Pottery, University for the Creative Arts, Farnham Library, Oxfam Books and Music and St Mark’s Church.

What has been said about Farnham Literary Festival:

The 2024 festival was the third in Farnham and was once again a huge success. Over 2,500 people took part in 40 events across the 10 days. The festival inspired, enthused, educated and entertained, bringing literature, books and writing to people of all interests.

Among the highlights were author visits to school children, a sold-out evening with Hugh Bonneville, a history day at Farnham Castle with Alison Weir and Louise Morrish, and workshops for all ages.

Feedback from participating authors:

‘I’m delighted to say I’ve just had a splendid evening in St Andrew’s Church as apart of the Farnham Literary Festival…This is the third iteration of the festival and it has gone from strength to strength, and I wish it every success for the future.’ – Hugh Bonneville, Actor and Author

‘I’m delighted to have just been at the Farnham Literary Festival in a fantastic venue selling heaps and heaps of books to the nicest audience I’ve ever had. It’s been just wonderful…..I’m going home very joyful.’ – Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Author


‘Thank you SO much for inviting me. I can honestly say that it was one of the nicest, friendliest, best organised literary festivals I’ve ever attended, either as speaker or audience member – big enough to have a real presence, small enough to be welcoming.’ – Carrie Dunn, Author

‘Thanks again for inviting me to talk at the Farnham Literary Festival and for such a wonderfully organised event from beginning to end. I felt very supported by you and your team on the day.’ – Joanna Foat, Author

Venues

The festival made great use of some of Farnham’s much loved and familiar buildings, particularly those linked to culture and learning, such as the Museum of Farnham, Farnham Maltings, Blue Bear Bookshop and Oxfam Books and Music. Read more about venues for 2024, including how to host a festival event at your venue.