Guildford Book Festival

What is it all about? The Festival is staged every October across venues in Guildford. It attracts many high profile authors as well as a wide-ranging audience. It is a key cultural event in the region and captures the imagination of thousands of people of all ages, backgrounds and interests.

The Festival was established in 1990 and has now become the biggest pure literary festival in the South of England. It is unique in running its own First Novel Award, which over the years has been judged by distinguished novelists including Margaret Drabble, Sarah Dunant and Kate Mosse.

The Festival presents a wide ranging programme for all ages and interests. It also has a dedicated programme of events and activities for children.

Over the years Guildford Book Festival has played host to a diverse range of authors and poets from many different backgrounds and this year will be no different.

Who? In 2010 Writer and comedian Arthur Smith, BBC broadcaster Bill Turnbull, comedienne Jenny Eclair (who will be headlining Girls’ Night) and Katie Fforde and Adele Parks who will be doing a Literary Lunch. Barbara Nadel, Michelle Paver, Barbara Erskine, John Harding, Dorothy Koomson, Clare Morrall and Chris Fowler.

Where? Various locations, Guidlford, Essex. England | AA Route Planner

When? 14-23 October 2010

How much? Check site

Fesitival Website:  www.guildfordbookfestival.co.uk Tel: 01483 444334

Past Festivals? Virginia McKenna, Diana Quick, James Martin, Ken Bruce, Simon Brett, Chris Cleave, Frank Gardner, Neil Oliver, June Whitfield, Rick Wakeman, Roy Hudd, Joanne Harris, Richard Holmes, Maureen Lipman, Jeremy Paxman, Clive James, Gerald Scarfe, Katharine Whitehorn, Simon Hoggart,     Michael Frayn, Lionel Shriver, Ray Mears, Mark Thomas, Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden,   Jenni Murray, Richard Madeley, Val McDermid and Julian Clary.