ELMBRIDGE LITERARY FESTIVAL

As 2026 is the Year of Reading this festival is our way of joining the celebration: bringing people together through a shared love of words.

Set across venues throughout the Borough, the festival is very much a community effort. By working closely with our affiliated organisations, (and the RC Sherriff Trust) we hope not only to showcase a vibrant programme, but also to strengthen the connections that make our local area so special.

Variety is at the heart of the LitFest. From the written page to the spoken word, the programme has been curated to engage, entertain and inspire. Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or simply curious to try something new, there are opportunities to explore different genres, discover fresh voices, and perhaps even uncover a hidden passion.

And what a line-up awaits! Highlights include an adult storyteller sharing behind-the-scenes tales from the film and television world, creative writing workshops to spark your imagination and the chance to meet talented local authors. There’s a fascinating Q&A with two of Britain’s leading writers in crime and espionage and the remarkable story of the man who devised a (perfectly legitimate!) system to win a fortune at roulette.

For something a little different, don’t miss the poetically primed Booming Lovelies—a group of ladies of a certain age bringing their irresistible blend of nostalgia, humour and a splash of gin. And to round off the festival, former war correspondent Tony Birtley will offer a compelling insight into how television journalism covers conflict—and how we, as viewers, can better understand what’s really happening on the front line.

To explore the full programme and book your place, visit our website

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the power of words— and perhaps leave inspired to write a few of your own.

Nikki Lindsey