• A Return to Chocolat: Joanne Harris Opens the Folkestone Book Festival 2025

    The Quarterhouse

    We’re thrilled to welcome internationally bestselling author Joanne Harris to open the Book Festival with an unforgettable evening of storytelling, reflection and literary magic. She will be interviewed by our festival curator, Sophie Haydock. More than 25 years after she first captured the world’s imagination with Chocolat – the beloved, bestselling novel that became an […]

  • Michael Finnissy – Composer & Pianist

    The Grand

    Folkestone New Music Type of event Talk and Concert Artists Michael Finnissy – composer and pianist ‘There’s a lifetime of listening in Finnissy’s music, an encounter with a way of hearing and relating to the whole of today’s world, not just its music – just as there’s been a lifetime of writing it for its […]

  • WORKSHOP: Writing Through Burnout with Dr Anna Vaught

    The Quarterhouse

    Overwhelmed? Burned out? Drowning in drafts and self-doubt? It’s time to reclaim your creativity – without losing your mind in the process. Join acclaimed author, teacher and literary powerhouse Dr Anna Vaught for a bold, brilliant workshop designed to help you write with clarity, confidence and compassion. A passionate advocate for writers working through and […]

  • Rose Ayling-Ellis: Marvellous Family Fun

    The Quarterhouse

    Join BAFTA-winning actor and Strictly Come Dancing champion Rose Ayling-Ellis for a joyful, inspiring event celebrating communication in all its forms, from sign language and symbols to gestures, emojis and beyond. Rose will be talking about her beautifully illustrated new children’s book, Marvellous Messages – a playful and powerful exploration of how we connect with […]

  • Word Play and Poetry​: Eley Williams and Abigail Parry

    The Quarterhouse

    Step into the joyfully off-kilter world of Eley Williams, one of the most original voices in contemporary fiction, as she discusses her latest collection, Moderate to Poor, Occasionally Good – a whip-smart, warm-hearted exploration of language in all its slippery glory. Williams is the author of the prize-winning short story collection Attrib. (winner of the […]

  • A Journey into Clay with Jennifer Lucy Allan

    The Quarterhouse

    Calling all claymakers, potters, artists and lovers of the land – this is where earth and imagination meet. In her mesmerising new book Clay: A Human History, writer and broadcaster Jennifer Lucy Allan unearths the deep, resonant story of one of the world’s most ancient, tactile and transformative materials. With poetic insight and atmospheric detail, […]

  • Ode to Joyce’ performed by Cheryl Knight.

    The Grand

    Originally conceived for Joyce Grenfell’s centenary, this presentation recreates the setting of one of Joyce’s ever-popular stage shows. Welcome to the Bayle Music Autumn concert series. We are delighted to present a fascinating and varied programme to keep you entertained this autumn.  Full programme details are listed below this message. Admission remains at £15 with under-21-year-olds admitted […]

  • Sabrina Ghayour: Persiana Easy

    The Quarterhouse

    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 […]

  • Success and Other Lies: Will Young & James Cahill in Conversation

    The Quarterhouse

    What do we sacrifice to succeed – and what do we conceal to survive? In this bold and searching conversation, Will Young and James Cahill come together to explore queerness, creativity, and the hidden costs of a life lived in public. One is a Pop Idol winner turned bestselling author and outspoken mental health advocate; […]

  • Harry Baker: Wonderful!

    The Quarterhouse

    Don’t miss this high-energy, soul-lifting night with Harry Baker – World Poetry Slam Champion, viral TED Talk star, and one of the UK’s most captivating spoken word performers. Coming to Folkestone for one-night only as part of the Book Festival. In Wonderful!, Harry delivers a fast-paced, feel-everything mix of joy, humour and jaw-dropping wordplay. From […]