Farnham Literary Festival 2025 has wrapped up another outstanding year, celebrating the power of words, storytelling, and creativity. The festival, which ran from 6 to 16 March, saw record attendance, engaging discussions, and memorable moments with renowned authors.
This year’s festival featured an impressive lineup of literary legends, including psychological thriller duo Nicci French; Death in Paradise creator Robert Thorogood; best-selling author Santa Montefiore; actress, writer and comedian Doon Mackichan and much-loved children’s writer and illustrator Nick Sharratt. The diverse programme offered something for everyone, from thought-provoking panel discussions and writing workshops to live performances and book signings.
Inspiring new generations, one of the festival’s standout moments was an interactive performance by the biggest selling children’s author David Walliams, promoting his new murder mystery, Super Sleuth. Beloved television presenter Lorraine Kelly celebrated the paperback publication of her heartwarming debut novel while Louis de Bernières charmed a sell-out audience with his conversation about life, love, music, and writing. Another huge draw was recent I’m a Celebrity finalist Reverend Richard Coles who shared enchanting insights into his varied career and writing during the opening weekend.
Local talent was also given a platform, with Richard T Burke, Felicity Hawes, Michael Arnold, and Margot Shepherd sharing their journeys to publication at Farnham Library. The festival’s commitment to fostering new and upcoming voices was evident in the open mic night of poetry, spoken word and comedy and a workshop on how to get published.
There was also an opportunity for aspiring authors to enter a novel, poetry, or Flash Fiction competition. First place of Farnham’s First Five Pages competition (The Paris Prize for Fiction) was sponsored by bestselling author B.A. Paris and uncovered some exciting new talent with Andrew Okey being announced as the winner at the festival’s closing ceremony.
B.A. Paris was delighted by the success of the competition and said: “The response to our Farnham First Five Pages writing competition has been amazing. We are thrilled to have provided a platform for unpublished authors and to have discovered so many exciting new voices.”
Farnham Town Council is committed to providing opportunities for younger people. Thanks to a partnership with the Blue Bear Bookshop and the generous support of sponsors, Farnham Literary Festival included a rich and dynamic programme for local schools. Young minds were brought face-to-face with inspiring local talents and bestselling authors for a celebration of imagination and storytelling.
Farnham Town Councillor, Kika Mirylees, Lead Member for Community and Culture expressed her delight at this year’s success: “Farnham has once again proven itself to be a hub for literary excellence. The enthusiasm and engagement from both authors and attendees made this festival truly special. We’re already looking forward to planning for 2026!”
Farnham Literary Festival 2025 was supported by principal sponsors Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care and Frensham Heights School and panel sponsor Moonflower Books. Commenting on the festival David Rich from Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care said: “We’re delighted to be principal sponsor of the Farnham Literary Festival. It’s lovely to be part of such an amazing and inspiring community initiative especially as our key mantra is to help customers see, hear, and live life to the full.”
Organisers Farnham Town Council also wish to thank the host venues, volunteers, community organisations and literature enthusiasts who helped make the festival possible.
