Elmbridge LitFest 2026/27

Our LitFest brought together people with a shared love of words.

The very popular Blooming Lovelies entertained us with their unique style.

A recent newspaper article suggested that Literary Festivals are the new raves. Well, this year’s Elmbridge LitFest was certainly a stimulating experience where lovers of words could meet authors, listen to and exchange, stories and generally be entertained.

With a varied programme spanning eight days, we had a number of fully booked events including a couple of instant sell- outs. We had a little bit of everything: film, workshops, a Q&A with crime writers, Elmbridge LitFest 2026/27 Our LitFest brought together people with a shared love of words. performance storytelling and a fascinating talk by a war correspondent, to name just a few highlights. There was also poetry and prose plus literary walks and craft workshops.

This inaugural Elmbridge LitFest, which successfully raised Elmbridge u3a profile within the wider community, was a joint venture between us and the RC Sherriff Trust, presented by our affiliates: the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, the Cecil Hepworth Playhouse and Walton Bowling Club. We were also fortunate to have secured strong local backing from Waterstones Bookshop and Walton Library, both of whom are keen to collaborate with us again. So, will we do it again?

The answer is a resounding “yes”, and we are currently planning a similar festival for 2027. We’d love to hear your comments or sugges- tions and if you’d like to help make next year’s festival even more successful please contact me at affiliations@elmbrid- geu3a.org.

Nikki Lindsey