October 23 to November 7

The 2026 Petworth Literary Festival, running from October 23 to November 7, is promising an “exceptional line-up of leading authors, thinkers and storytellers.”

Spokeswoman Stella Goodson said: “Alongside Sebastian Faulks, Lynda La Plant and Prue Leith this year’s speakers include Victoria Hislop, John Boyne, Robert Peston, Fergal Keane, Stephen Sackur, Dame Margaret Hodge, Michael Gove, Mary Portas, Diana Henry, Max Hastings, Julian Lloyd Webber, Nigel Planer, Kate Mosse and Rick Wakeman, alongside many more.

“2026 is the National Year of Reading and the festival celebrates the extraordinary breadth of books, ideas and stories, from fiction and memoir to politics, history, food, music and culture.

“The festival will once again be joined by an experienced team of interviewers, bringing their expertise and insight to a programme of engaging conversations with this year’s authors and speakers – an illustrious team of journalists that includes Andrew Billen, Manveen Rana, Con Coughlin, Claire Armistead, Katherine Bergen and Matt Stadlen who will put the authors through their paces.

“New for 2026 is LitFestPlus, a strand of events designed to explore books, literature and ideas from a different perspective. Alongside the Festival’s programme, LitFestPlus offers audiences the chance to discover something new, with events ranging from creative writing in the age of AI to the awarding of a non-Booker Prize celebrating the remarkable year in literature that was 1966.

“With a programme of fascinating conversations, lively debate and plenty of opportunities to discover something new, this year’s Festival promises something for every kind of reader.”

See the full line-up: https://petworthfestival.org.uk/literary-festival-2026

“Petworth Festival is an established arts festival in West Sussex, presenting an annual programme of music, literature, performance and the arts in and around Petworth. Founded in 1979, the festival brings leading artists, authors and performers to the region, alongside opportunities for emerging talent and community participation.

“Heading towards its 50th year, Petworth Festival continues to build on its long-standing commitment to bringing high-quality arts and cultural experiences to audiences across the region while developing new opportunities for artists, young people and the wider community.

“The Petworth Festival annual programme includes the Petworth Proms, Petworth Summer Festival and Petworth Literary Festival, as well as a range of education, outreach and community initiatives.”