Esther Ghey: Raising Children in the Digital Age

What kind of world are young people growing up in online – and how do we keep them safe within it?

Following the murder of her daughter Brianna Ghey in February 2023, Esther Ghey became one of the UK’s most powerful advocates for compassion, mental health awareness and stronger conversations around online safety.

In this important and deeply human event, Esther discusses her memoir Under a Pink Sky, reflecting on Brianna’s life, transphobia, and the impact of grief and the extraordinary journey from private heartbreak to public campaigning.

At a time when parents, schools and young people are grappling with the effects of social media, digital harm and online radicalisation, this promises to be a moving and vital conversation about empathy, resilience and creating safer futures for the next generation.

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Events last one hour unless otherwise stated, followed by a book signing in The Clearing. Our official bookseller is Waterstones.

Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of stories, ideas and conversation by the sea. Curated by novelist Sophie Haydock (The Flames, Madame Matisse), this year’s festival brings together more than 60 events across two weeks, welcoming world-class writers, thinkers and storytellers to Folkestone.

Discover another event, browse the bookshop, explore Folkestone’s vibrant arts scene, independent cafés, bars and galleries, and share the experience with a friend. The best festivals are as much about the conversations between events as those on stage.

The Festival is part of Folkestone is a Library, our ambitious town-wide celebration of reading, writing and storytelling, helping make Folkestone one of the UK’s most exciting literary destinations.

We believe great conversations should be for everyone, which is why every event includes a £5 Cost of Living Ticket, available with no questions asked.

Please help us spread the word. Together, we’re building a thriving community of readers, writers and curious minds.

Folkestone Book Festival is proudly supported by Eurotunnel, Canterbury Christ Church University, Holiday Extras, and the Friends of Folkestone Book Festival. Creative Folkestone is supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone & Hythe District Council and Saga. Founding Funder The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.