Welcome to the Farnham Literary Festival 2024: 1st – 10th March

Following the success of the first two years events, we have now started planning for our next Festival. As usual, we would like to offer a varied programme incorporating poets, illustrators, authors, historians, academics, actors and singers as well as local community groups, charities and venues.

If you would like to take part in our 2024 Festival as a speaker, performer, venue or sponsor we would love to hear from you. Please send your proposal to literaryfestival@farnham.gov.uk and we will get in touch to discuss it with you.

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.

If you have never been to a literary festival before, now is your chance. Author talks, panel discussions and readings offer a relaxed opportunity to hear about new or popular works and to hear about writers’ motivations and interests, while at workshops you can develop your own writing skills and explore your creativity. There will be a competition for budding poets – for both adults and children.

What was said about the Farnham Literary festival 2023

The 2023 festival was the second in Farnham and was once again a huge success. Over 2,500 people took part in 50 events. It inspired , enthused, educated and entertained, bringing literature, books and writing to people of all interests.

Among the highlights were author visits to school children, the literary variety show featuring Christopher Biggins and Dame Jacqueline Wilson who inspired an audience of over 180.

There was some great feedback from participating authors and venues from the 2023 Festival:

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

I am now writing to thank you and your excellent team so very much for making the FLF this year such a very great success from our perspective. We were delighted to be able to host the launch and the final event, as well an evening of literary-inspired opera in the middle. All the feedback we have had has been entirely positive. We have been in the schools today for their assemblies: the children and the staff are still buzzing about Sunday afternoon. Very well done. We look forward to future adventures together!!

The Revd H David Uffindell, Rector of Farnham

We had a great time and a lovely evening, We look forward to hosting this and other events for Farnham council 

Adrian, Manager of The Wheatsheaf

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 2023, including how to host a festival event at your venue.