Winchester Books Festival 2026

Friday 17 - Sunday 19 April 2026

Hello and welcome to the Winchester Books Festival.

Winchester is a city steeped in literary history and famously the resting place of one of the UK’s most beloved authors, Jane Austen. Our festival is a vibrant celebration of books, authors and the power of words.

Each April, we bring together an extraordinary line up of authors for a weekend filled with inspiration, imagination and lively discussion. From captivating fiction and thought-provoking non-fiction to enchanting children’s stories, we aim for our festival to have something for everyone.

In addition to our annual festival, we also host special events throughout the year to keep the magic of books alive in Winchester.

We look forward to you joining us as we celebrate the best of books and the writers who create them.

What’s in store for 2026

Stories come in many shapes and sizes

From Anglo-Saxon epics to the Queen of Shops’ memoir.

They are always better shared.

We’re bringing big name authors to Winchester.

Stories worth sharing

First names announced:

Sir Tony Robinson | Mary Portas | Rob Biddulph | Kathy Lette |

Tom Gilbey | Lynda La Plante

TICKETS GO ON SALE – 9am, Friday 6 February

Interested in Family events?

Rob Biddulph is a bestselling, award-winning children’s author, illustrator and YouTube sensation via his ‘Draw with Rob’ channel.

We are delighted to be hosting Rob Biddulph on Saturday, 18 April.

He is one of the many entertaining and inspiring children’s authors coming to our April Festival.

Delighted to be a BAFA Member 2025

We are thrilled to have become a BAFA member.

As a new festival we have be bowled over by the support of local people and sponsors.

“BAFA support and inspire arts festivals to fulfil their creative ambitions, on their own terms. It’s not just about the festivals, but the people who run them.”

Explore the Winchester Books Festival.

Never miss a thing!