The Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival is set to return to the town for a ten-day celebration of literature and ideas, running from Friday, 1 May to Sunday, 10 May 2026. Now in its fifth year, the event has expanded significantly since its inaugural four-day run in 2022, cementing its place as a key feature of the local cultural calendar.
Organisers have confirmed a packed programme featuring more than 150 artists participating in 56 events. The festival will utilise ten venues across the town, including The Amelia Scott, the Assembly Hall Theatre, Trinity Theatre, The Forum, The Old Auction House, The Pump Room, and an outdoor festival village at Calverley Grounds.
Guided by the tagline “Books, Ideas, Action,” the 2026 programme will explore diverse themes such as journalism, social issues, philosophy, and climate change. Festival producer Sam Davey noted that the sessions aim to offer something for everyone, with topics ranging from children’s literature, comedy, and cabaret to discussions on nature, quantum physics, and history. Notably, the local Member of Parliament, Mike Martin, is set to appear in conversation with broadcaster Iain Dale to discuss Dale’s book ‘Thatcher’.
The festival is supported by a range of organisations, including Arts Council England, which provides funding to support accessibility, such as free tickets for children’s events. Royal Tunbridge Wells Together is also providing support for the festival. Berry & Lamberts Solicitors returns as the headline sponsor for the event, continuing their longstanding partnership.
In an effort to remain accessible to all residents, organisers have made over 8,000 seats available for the various events, with 2,000 of those designated as pay-what-you-can tickets. Following the growth in attendance from 1,600 visitors in its first year to over 5,000 in 2024, organisers are reporting strong demand for this year’s expanded schedule.
Tickets are currently on sale through the official Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival website.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
