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Folkestone Book Festival

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Welcome to Creative Folkestone Book Festival 2024. From Thursday 14 to Sunday 24 November, our annual festival of books, ideas, writing and literature will return to  fill those gloomy winter months with conversation and debate.


Curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock, the Creative Folkestone Book Festival returns bigger, better and brighter than ever.

Our guest speakers will cover an incredible range of topics that will cover everything from Comedy and Curiosity to Motherhood and Mayhem, Life and Loss to Rogues and Royalty, and everything in between. 

Some of the writers, authors and thinkers appearing at this year’s festival include Alan Hollinghurst, Ali Smith, David Nicholls, Donal Ryan, Elizabeth Macneal, Emma Gannon, Helen Lederer, Irenosen Okojie, Lucy Caldwell, Naomi Wood, Robin Ince, Rory Cellan-Jones, Tessa Hadley, Tracy Chevalier and many more to be announced.

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Folkestone Book Festival 2024: Festival Pass

14th November, 12pm

Enjoy all of this year's Book Festival talks and events with your Book Festival Pass.Book your festival pass now and enjoy the whole festival...

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Opening Night: Tracy Chevalier

14th November, 7pm

Celebrate the launch of the 2024 Folkestone Book Festival, with this exclusive opening-night event – an evening with the acclaimed American...

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Creative Quarter Christmas Lights Switch-On 2024

15th November, 5.30pm

Join us in the Creative Quarter for the annual Christmas Light Switch On, a magical evening for all to enjoy! Experience the festive sparkle...

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Helen Lederer: Getting Merry

15th November, 7pm

Kick off the festive season with laughter and cheer as comedian Helen Lederer, known for her role in Absolutely Fabulous, lights up the Old...

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Susie Chan & Rob Hobson: Run Strong, Eat Well

16th November, 12pm

Ultra-marathon runner Susie Chan, known for her incredible endurance feats and vibrant personality, will be in conversation with Rob Hobson,...

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Rory Cellan-Jones: Dogs Can Change Your Life

16th November, 2pm

Dog-lover Rory Cellan-Jones, author, former BBC News technology correspondent, and proud owner of the Twitter-famous rescue dog Sophie from...

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