Step into a world of spice, soul and sensational cooking with Sabrina Ghayour – the award-winning British-Iranian chef, Sunday Times bestselling author and beloved food writer hailed by the Observer as the “golden girl of Persian cookery”. Known for her bold, vibrant flavours and no-fuss approach, Sabrina has transformed the way we cook and eat Middle Eastern food at home.
With trademark humour and charm, Sabrina shares kitchen stories, essential tips, and the journey behind her much-loved Persiana series – one of the most successful and enduring Middle Eastern cookbooks of the last decade.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just dipping in your spoon, this is an event to ignite your culinary imagination. A perfect Saturday afternoon treat in the heart of Folkestone.
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Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, bold ideas and the power of storytelling – by the sea. Curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock (The Flames, Madame Matisse), this year’s programme features more than 50 events over 11 days, bringing together world-class writers, radical thinkers and unforgettable conversations – all inspired by Folkestone’s spirit of enabling creativity and transformative change.
We want the festival to be for everyone. That’s why we’ve introduced a £5 ticket – a no-questions-asked option for anyone who might be struggling to afford events.
And if you’re planning to come to more than a handful of events, don’t miss our great-value Festival Pass, which gives you access to all events (excluding classes, which need to be booked separately) for just £140.
There’s so much to discover – from headline talks to intimate workshops, big ideas to local voices. Check out the full programme, including our much-loved Local Talent Showcase and a new series of Creative Writing Workshops designed to spark your imagination.
We delighted that our onsite bookseller this year is Waterstones Folkestone.
We thank our major sponsor Saga and supporting sponsors Eurotunnel, Holiday Extras and Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival along with our Education Partner, Canterbury Christ Church University for making this year’s festival possible. Creative Folkestone is also supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone and Hythe District Council and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.