Winchester Books Festival 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.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
A Jack Reacher event
Wednesday 12 November | 7pm
The Arc, Winchester
Every nine seconds, somewhere in the world, a Jack Reacher novel is bought.
To celebrate the launch of Exit Strategy, Andrew Child will be joining us live at The Arc, Winchester, all the way from his home in America. In conversation with Rebecca Fletcher, he’ll reveal how he and his brother craft these global blockbusters, the inspirations behind Reacher’s adventures, the experience of being a best selling author—and what it’s like to see their hero brought vividly to life on screen. There will be an audience Q+A and a book signing with Andrew.
Andrew Child will be in conversation with Rebecca Fletcher.
An Evening with Mary Berry
Friday 17 October | 7pm
Middle Brook Centre, Winchester
We are thrilled to have been selected as one of the very few places to host Dame Mary Berry this autumn as she celebrates both her 90th birthday and the release of her latest book, Mary 90.
Mary’s brand-new cookbook, Mary 90 —featuring 90 of her most iconic recipes —will be published in October from BBC Books to coincide with a major new BBC TV series. It promises to be an evening brimming with heart-warming anecdotes, practical baking wisdom, trademark humour—and absolutely no soggy bottoms.
Dame Mary Berry will be in conversation with Gaby Huddart.
Our Dame Mary Berry event is kindly sponsored by Phillips Law.
“Books have a unique way of bringing people together, sparking conversations, and inspiring creativity.
Phillips Law is delighted to sponsor the Winchester Books Festival and support a cultural event within Hampshire that champions the joy and importance of storytelling.” Jack Gardener, Partner.
Our April 2025 Festival Authors
Jeremy Bowen
Federica Amati
Patrick Grant
Pollyanna Wilkinson
Tom Holland
Lady Carnarvon
William Hanson
Dame Kelly Holmes
Claire Douglas
Susie Dent
LV Matthews
Kate Kemp
Joanna Miller
Simon Heffer
Andy Hussey
Margaret Sturton
Nicky Smith-Dale
Sohail Husain
Rob Eastaway
Marcel Dirsus
Chris Jackson
Kathryn Sutherland
Ben Pentreath
Carrie Sellon
Maz Evans
Judy Murray
Judith Heneghan
Tom Bromley
Kate Nicholson
Franco Fubini
Eleanor Mills
Hannah Bourne-Taylor
Ferdia Lennon
Claire Fuller
Ben Macintyre
David Nicholls
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.
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