The 9th annual Hastings Book Festival will take place from 10th to 20th September 2026, with over 30 events and more than 50 speakers and performers.

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This year’s festival promises another fascinating programme of talks, workshops, children’s events and live performances for anyone with an interest in writing, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, the spoken word, books and all things literary!

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We are proud to announce our first set of headline guests: historian, writer and broadcaster David Olusoga; Roger McGough, 'the godfather of modern poetry'; and Robin Ince, comedian, broadcaster, writer and poet.

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On the first weekend of the Festival Naomi Wood will perform her amazing one-woman show Monster, and a great line-up of poets will take to our stage: Luke Kennard, Henry Normal, Salena Godden, Andy Riley, John Osborne, James Domestic and others.

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We'll also feature a Norman Conquest double-bill with historian Professor Tom Licence and Sam Davey.

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Book early, as these headline events may well sell out.

Much more to follow – look out for further announcements…!

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Hastings Book Festival 2026!