Festival 2024

The 2024 Festival kicked off with a wonderful evening with the wonderful Michael Rosen.

The Book Festival’s second Poetry Open Mic Lottery night was hosted by the funny and charming Henry Normal.

An interview with the fabulous Karen McLeod talking about her book Lifting Off about her 12 years as closeted cabin crew.

Former leader of the Green Party, Caroline Lucas talked about her new book Another England and laid our her vision for the country.

Senior Lecturer at the University of Brighton and writer Craig Jordan Baker ran a wonderful three hour workshop on writing about nature.

We offered a limited number of one-to-one sessions with a brilliant literary agent.

Anita Rani joined our patron Selina Godden to talk about books, writing and life.

Bestselling author Clare Chambers talked about her 10th novel Shy Creatures.  

Miki Berenyi joined us to talk about her memoir of growing up, her time as Lush frontwoman and music in the 90s.

Monique Roffey returned to Hastings to talk about her new book Passiontide.  

Film night with Trix Worrell who talked about directing his film from the 80's For Queen and Country with Denzel Washington.

An inspiring panel event with independent publishers Rough Trade, Epoque Press and Pros Publishing and readings from a few of their writers.

One of the UK’s foremost poets and writers - Salena Godden - thrilled us in conversation with Anita Rani.

CHILDREN'S EVENT : Patrice Lawrence at the Hastings Library - A lively, fun and free event for children from 3-7 years old

Award winning activist and founder of The Craftivist Collective shared her journey and her book How to Be a Craftivist.

Renowned poet John McCullough ran a fantastic three-hour workshop on writing poetry.  

CHILDREN'S EVENT: Local author Alex Milway hosted a lively session of stories, music and drawing for children.