The 2023 Farnham Literary Festival was brought to a triumphant conclusion on Sunday with a sell-out talk by the much-loved author Dame Jacqueline Wilson. 

Rob Verner-Jeffreys from Waterstones book shop interviewed Dame Jacqueline and teased out stories about how she started her writing career and how she created some of her best-loved characters including the feisty Tracy Beaker. 

The audience was also treated to exclusive access to Dame Jacqueline’s new book called, The Other Edie Trimmer. The queue to buy the book and have it signed by the author snaked all the way around the inside of St Andrew’s church. 

Councillor Kika Mirylees, Lead Member for Tourism and Events says: “We were honoured to welcome Dame Jacqueline Wilson to our literary festival. She has received many of the UK’s top awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the Smarties Prize, and the Children’s Book of the Year. Her contemporary stories have made her a beloved author among children and adults alike and she was perfect for completing our 2023 festival.

“We have received some amazing feedback to this year’s festival, so I think it is safe to assume that it has been a huge success. We have had over 40 events and some big names in the literary world have taken part. We have funded authors for every primary school and a range of workshops to inspire new talent. 

“We set out to create a festival that was accessible to all and with many events free and great variety, I think we managed to achieve our aim.

Farnham Town Council organised the Literary Festival with support from a number of local organisations and hosts from some of the town’s most interesting buildings where people gather to enjoy books. 

Plans are already underway for next year’s festival. It is hoped to make the festival even bigger with an equally impressive line-up of authors. If you would like to be involved or sponsor part of the programme, please contact literary@farnham.gov.uk.