A 10-day book festival returns with a packed programme of talks, panel discussions, live music and more

The Creative Folkestone Book Festival, this year named the Shape of Things to Come, launches on Friday, November 18 and will be bringing top authors and bestselling books to visitors until Sunday, November 27.

Guest speakers at this year’s festival include Harry Potter and Call the Midwife actress Miriam Margolyes, who published her first memoir last year and will be live streaming her talk from her home, and Booker-shortlisted novelist Deborah Levy.

Also appearing at the festival will be author and transgender activist Juno Dawson, Sunday Times bestselling author Monica Ali, Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, food writer Claudia Roden and renowned chef Jeremy Lee, and BBC Radio 4’s Claudia Hammond.

The festival launch night will also coincide with the town’s Christmas lights switch on, which will illuminate Folkestone’s Creative Quarter.

There will be discussions and talks about a range of topics, such as art, politics, psychology, food, science and history.

Visitors can also take part in workshops and enjoy live music from the Oxford Chamber Music Festival Quartet.

The festival will also celebrate Prospect Cottage, the former home of artist, writer and filmmaker Derek Jarman in Romney Marsh.

Deborah Levy and Juno Dawson will both spend time at the residence and will share their written thoughts and musings on the countryside home during talks at the festival.

Liam Browne, the Shape of Things to Come co-curator, said: “We are delighted that the Creative Folkestone Book Festival is back with a full programme and are particularly excited by the new connection between the festival and Prospect Cottage, forged through Creative Folkestone’s role as custodian of both.

“Inspired by H G Wells’ association with Folkestone, this is a festival that looks in much of the programme towards the future. Given the severe crises we are facing, climate change, a post-Brexit world, Russia’s assault on Ukraine, political instability in so many countries, etc., the space and opportunity for speakers and audiences to discuss what might lie ahead seem more important than ever.”

You can find a full festival programme and book tickets online here.

Some events are free, but ticketing varies depending on the event and all spaces need to be booked in advance.