Winchester Books Festival 2025

An epic tale of the devastating tragedies of war and the forbidden romance that blooms in its grip, In 1914, war feels far away to Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood. They’re too young to enlist, and anyway, Gaunt is fighting his own private battle – an all-consuming infatuation with the dreamy, poetic Ellwood – not having a clue that his best friend is in love with him, always has been. 

Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Sohom Das offers and often shocking but fascinating insight into the true stories of patients and cases during his career as an NHS doctor treating mentally disordered offenders.

Bestselling author S. J. Parris discusses her latest thrilling historical crime novel featuring the 16th century spy Giordano Bruno and life as a crime author.

Wendy Joseph KC discusses her career as a judge at the Old Bailey overseeing some of the UK’s most high profile murder trials.

Winchester Prison Governor James Bourke discussing 175 years of Winchester Prison, the harsh regimes of the past to today’s focus on rehabilitation.

Help solve the mysterious case of the murdered podcasting star and learn about forensic science. Assess the crime scene, gather the clues and process them in the lab.

The BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner will discuss his career as journalist covering some of the world’s fiercest conflicts and his bestselling novels.

Sit yourself down and enjoy story time and colouring with local author Andy Hussey who will be reading from his two vibrant, nature filled books as we find out if there actually are any deer around here, and any trout about?

Come and join popular local author illustrator Margaret Sturton who has an action packed hour of activities planned around her new book, a cautionary tale about a naughty girl called Alberta who did not listen to her mother’s warnings….

Why Architecture Matters – Leading Winchester architect, Hugh Petter, a director of ADAM Architecture, will be in conversation with Giles Kime, Interiors and Associate Editor of Country Life magazine, discussing his unusually varied career, including his long-standing role as architect and urban master-planner to the Duchy of Cornwall.

Bestselling author and screenwriter, Daisy Goodwin, brings to life Maria Callas a woman whose extraordinary talent, drive and style made her a legend.

Throughout history, Queens have played a role in some of the most dramatic events in our history.  Crusading queens, rebel queens, learned queens, seductresses, fighting queens, these determined women often broke through the restrictions of their times to exercise power and influence, for good and for bad.