Guildford Book Festival 2016

Posted on October 2, 2016

After sneaking off for a short holiday and skipping Blog duty in September (like you missed me!), this month I wanted to talk about one of around 300 regional book fairs we have in the UK, Guildford Book Festival.

It has been running for the last 27 years, bringing a diverse range of books and writers closer to their readers at venues scattered throughout the town. This year there are even more outlier sessions, as far out as Hatchlands Park and Wisley Plant Centre. I’ll be helping out at Surrey University and one of my favourite locations, the Electric Theatre; despite its industrial origins it’s a cosy venue, set right beside the River Wey about 300 yards from its better known sister, the Yvonne Arnaud (also a GBF venue).

There are famous names on the bill – Damon Hill, Graham Norton and Jeremy Paxman jump off the events listing page – but there are also less well known writers with astonishing stories both factual and imaginary. Kate Summerscale, the queen of compelling period murder investigations has my attention, and for anyone with kids 7+, Writer/Illustrator Britta Teckentrup’s collage workshop is a must.

Find out more on their website, guildfordbookfestival.co.uk: book an event, and if you’re buying a book have your dedication request ready for when you meet the author, be they an old favourite or a brand new discovery. If you’re too far from Guildford to join in, check out your local book festival.

Or if you’re tempted by the sound of the Ilmaen Quartet, sign up during October for a chance to win one of 5 free signed copies of Shadowless. Check SPECIAL OFFERS AND EVENTS above.

Happy reading!