The annual Portsmouth BookFest will return from 16 February to 8 March 2026, offering residents across the city of Portsmouth — and visitors from the surrounding area — three weeks of guest speakers, workshops, and family activities. The event is organised by Portsmouth Libraries & Archives (the Public Library Service of Portsmouth City Council) in partnership with the Hayling Island Bookshop to celebrate local culture and reading.
This year’s festival marks the 50th anniversary of Portsmouth Central Library and follows the centenary commemorations for Portsmouth-born comic actor Peter Sellers (Sellers was born on 8 September 1925). According to Visit Portsmouth, the programme includes a wide range of activities such as local history talks, creative writing sessions, and the crime fiction series “Crime Bites.” (See full listings on the Portsmouth Libraries & Archives events pages.)
High-profile guests including broadcaster Simon Mayo and political historian Vernon Bogdanor will appear at venues such as Portsmouth Central Library and Southsea Library. The Portsmouth Libraries & Archives service will host these sessions, with entry prices ranging from free for some events up to £20 for others.
The festival arrives as local leaders look to expand the role of libraries as community hubs following a recent public consultation. A BBC News report (published 18 January 2024) also highlights how the city has invested in new services, including electric tuk-tuk mobile libraries designed to reach more people.
Local officials believe the event provides significant value to the community: a Portsmouth City Council statement reported in The News says each library branch provides more than £100,000 in support to residents every year. Families can also look forward to children’s programming featuring popular characters such as The Gruffalo.
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