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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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; […]

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 […]

All aboard for an unforgettable series of train rides – with one extraordinary storyteller. Join award-winning travel writer Monisha Rajesh as she takes us on a lyrical, laughter-filled journey through her latest book, Moonlight Express: Around the World By Night Train – a beautifully observed account of navigating the globe after dark. Following the runaway […]

What if your anger isn’t something to fear – but a tool for clarity, courage and change? In a town like Folkestone – creative, complex, and full of people pushing for better – anger can be a vital emotional signal. But too often we’re told to stay quiet, stay nice, stay calm. In this powerful, […]

Last year, Folkestone made history – electing Tony Vaughan as its first-ever Labour MP after more than 70 years of Conservative rule. But earlier this year, Kent (along with many other parts of the country) swung hard to Reform. What happened? Where did the energy go? And is Keir Starmer’s Labour already losing touch with […]

Which drinks define us? From gin palaces to tequila shots, tonic fads to teetotalism – what do our choices say about class, identity and change? And in a town like Folkestone – built on bars, beer gardens and beachside boozers – how does alcohol shape who we are? Join cultural historian Dr Steven Parissien for […]

Tina, You Gotta See Her An electrifying celebration of the undisputed Queen of rock-n-roll, What's Love Gotta Do With It? - The Tina Turner Story is the ultimate night out for all fans of the iconic performer! Taking you on a whistlestop tour through her 50-year career, expect to hear all the hits, including Private […]

Desire is messy. Tender. Dangerous. Quiet. An unexpectedly wet kiss in the kitchen. A date gone very well indeed. Great sex thrills us, undoes us, comforts and sustains us – and when written well, it can stay with the reader forever. Join Leone Ross, award-winning author, editor and literary force, for a fearless, freeing writing […]

Lisa Jewell is one of the biggest names in dark psychological thrillers – and she’s coming to Folkestone. The UK’s most addictive writers, whose every novel dominates the charts and gets readers texting “OMG” at 2am, will take to the Quarterhouse stage for one night only – to talk all things murder, mystery and suspense. […]

Folkestone New Music Talk Artists David Matthews talks about his music.With a singular body of work spanning almost 60 years, David Matthews has established an international reputation as one of the leading symphonists of our time. ‘Few other living composers can deploy the classical virtues of clarity, tradition and restraint to such cogent ends’ (Tempo) Ticket […]

Sara Pascoe's star has steadily risen since the early 2010s, with frequent appearances on TV comedy panel shows, podcasts, hosting duties on BBC's The Great British Sewing Bee and more putting her squarely in the mainstream. See her live on stage in 2025 where her unabashed and hilarious style will be on display once more […]