Welcome to Farnham Literary Festival’s first blog post! I’m delighted to introduce myself as the festival’s new co-ordinator, and even more excited by the wonderful events and varied programme that the team at Farnham Town Council, along with our wonderful partners across venues and organisations in Farnham, have put together for 2025.
Next year’s festival will mark the fourth year of what has now become a highlight in the south’s literary calendar. Begun in 2022 as an initiative led by Farnham Town Council, the inaugural festival commenced with a sell-out opening event featuring Sandi Toksvig, Jack Jewers and Sophie Hannah. There were author talks with Mick Herron and Annie Garthwaite, plus panel discussions, workshops and performances – including an urban music night with Nath678 and DJ Renz.
In 2023 the festival was opened by actor Christopher Biggins at a literary-themed variety show. Dame Jacqueline Wilson regaled audiences at St Andrew’s Church, and Martin Brown, illustrator of Horrible Histories, brought the Stone Age world to life at the UCA Film and Media Centre.
Last year’s highlights included Hugh Bonneville, Louise Boyce (AKA Mama Still Got It), a history day at Farnham Castle with Louise Morrish and Alison Weir, and a live podcast recording of The Labours of Hercule with Frankie Pellatt and Adam Roche. Moonflower Books generously sponsored two panel discussions, one on spy-thrillers featuring Ava Glass, Jack Jewers, Greg Mosse and Tim Glister; and another on gothic fiction with Michelle Paver, Anna Mazzola, William Hussey, Essie Fox and Louise Davidson.
Because Farnham Town Council is passionately committed to enhancing literacy among the students in our local schools, in collaboration with The Blue Bear Bookshop and other sponsors, the Farnham Literary Festival has also been able to develop its schools’ programme which has grown each year.
So, how are we possibly going to top all that in 2025? Well, with more than 50 different events taking place from the 6th to the 16th March, we think we can do it – with something to appeal to everyone. There will be more authors than ever before, covering a greater span of genres and interests. There will be a variety of performances, plus competitions and more opportunities to get writing yourself, should you choose. And, of course, every year sees the return of much-loved festival favourites including the local author showcase and a literary themed pub quiz. The festival makes great use of some of Farnham’s much loved and familiar buildings and venues, which we’ll also be showcasing over the forthcoming weeks.
All will be revealed early in the new year, so for now, just as in all good opening chapters, we’ll leave you on a cliffhanger!
