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.

Programme launch 2026

What’s in store for 2026

Stories come in many shapes and sizes

We are thrilled to bring an extraordinary lineup of authors, each ready to share their stories, spark your imagination, and celebrate the joy of reading.

Bring your family and friends and prepare to be inspired.  The full programme is now live on our What’s On page.

TICKETS GO ON SALE – 9am, Friday 6 February

Rob Biddulph

Interested in Family events?

We are thrilled to be hosting Rob Biddulph – bestselling, award-winning children’s author, illustrator and YouTube sensation via his ‘Draw with Rob’ channel at the Festival.

Click on the link below to see which other family friendly authors are coming to Winchester.

Go All In - National Year of Reading (pink)

Winchester Books Festival and the National Year of Reading

What better way to honour the joy of reading than by joining thousands of fellow book lovers at the Winchester Books Festival.

Make sure you are signed up to our newsletter to be among the first to hear our latest updates including our plans for the National Year of Reading.

BAFA logo

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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