Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival has “something for everyone”
Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival included Sunday Times No.1 Bestselling poet Donna Ashworth (right) in conversation with English television presenter Davina McCall(Image: TWLF)
The 10-day Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival has unveiled its thrilling final line-up of authors, artists and performers for this year. More than 150 artists will be taking part in the festival from May 1 to 10, during 56 events at 10 venues across Tunbridge Wells.
There will be free activities, performances to watch and take part in, and some 8,000 seats available with 2,000 of those being “pay what you can”.
This year’s tagline is “Books, ideas, action” and themes include social issues, journalism, philosophy, activism and climate change.
There will be comedy, fantasy, cabaret and children’s literature among the the gems to look forward to. And there’s the Word Up! spoken word event, which comes from the popular monthly event held in the town.
There’s also a talk by Ingrid Pope on the “power of uncluttering” and how to find moments and space “amidst the chaos”. Or what about watching a panel discussion called Festival of Ideas: New Narrative Forms which will explore how writers can best “capture thoughts, concerns and responses to the world we live in today”.
The programme is packed with innovative events to enlighten you and stretch your mind, celebrate writing and other forms of expression, and to simply enjoy and socialise.
Organisers said today (Thursday, March 4) tickets for events and workshops had been “selling fast” and advised booking soon to avoid disappointment.
National household names and local people include Gyles Brandreth, Davina MCall, Johnny Ball and Rory Bremner, to Sunday Times number one bestselling poet Donna Ashworth, poet Jess Mookherjee, poet and author Brian Bilston, historical novelist Essie Fox, and writer Monique Roffey.
The area’s MP Mike Martin will also appear, in conversation with presenter and political commentator Iain Dale, about the latter’s new book, Thatcher.
Venues featuring in the festival include The Forum, Trinity Theatre, the Assembly Hall Theatre, The Amelia Scott, The Old Auction House and The Pump Room. There will also be the festival village and its events in Calverley Grounds during May Bank Holiday weekend.
Festival producer Sam Davey said: “There really is something for everyone at this year’s Literary Festival.
“Thought provoking debate on journalism, activism and philosophy, action on climate and environment in association with TW Climate and Nature Fair, workshops and authors across a broad range of genres and topics including comedy, nature, Shakespeare, art, fantasy, adventure, cabaret, children’s literature, Margaret Thatcher, quantum physics, gothic sub-culture and national icon, Winnie the Pooh!”
Paul Reader, managing partner of sponsors Berry and Lamberts Solicitors said: “We are incredibly proud to support this year’s festival.
“The new energy and content is captured perfectly in the festival’s tagline: Books, Ideas, Action. Whilst books remain the heart of the festival, I am excited that it embraces ‘ideas’, with opportunities to share great insights across all media platforms, and onto ‘Action’, from addressing social issues, responding to climate change or rekindling the lost art of letter writing, the 2026 festival is dedicated to ensuring that the written word inspires meaningful engagement with the world around us.”
Where do I book and find out more?
The website with all you need to, including the full programme, to find out more and how to book tickets is here.
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