Folkestone Book Festival History

The Folkestone Book Festival has its roots in the Kent Literature Festival, which began in 1980 at the Metropole Arts Centre in Folkestone, featuring notable authors such as Margaret Drabble and Ted Hughes. Over the years, the festival has undergone several transformations, with various directors and sponsors contributing to its growth and development.

In 2002, the Folkestone Literary Festival was established, with Saga as its main sponsor, and later, the Friends of the Festival was set up to encourage community involvement. The festival has continued to attract interesting speakers and introduced features such as the History Weekend and events for children and families.

The festival is now under the auspices of Creative Folkestone and will take place at the Quarterhouse in Folkestone from Thursday, 12 November 2026 to Sunday, 22 November 2026. Tickets are with the button beside the article. With its rich history and diverse programme, the Folkestone Book Festival is an event worth attending for book lovers and literature enthusiasts.