Local Authors Talent Showcase 2025

Fifteen writers. Three minutes each. Big talent. Bigger energy. Total literary mayhem (in the best possible way). Get ready for one of the most fun, fast-paced events of the festival. Folkestone is bursting with brilliant writers – and this is your chance to meet a whole host of them in just one hour. From poets and memoirists to novelists and folklorists, each local author has exactly 180 seconds to pitch their book, read an extract, or share the spark that inspired their work. Then the bell rings – and it’s on to the next.

Expect laughs, surprises, and a wild mix of genres and personalities – all served with energy, heart and local pride. There’ll be books to buy, a buzzing atmosphere, and plenty of moments to cheer. Leave inspired (and probably with a new favourite author). Folkestone’s literary scene is thriving – come and raise a glass to it.

Please note: this event lasts for one hour, followed by an opportunity to purchase the books upstairs in The Clearing and have them signed by the authors.

This event will be compered by Stuart Sheach and Chloe Osborne. Stuart runs the Folkestone Book Group at Keppels and is a passionate champion of literature and local authors. Chloe is a poet, artist and creative producer whose work spans words, performance and visual storytelling. They will be keeping the time (and authors) delightfully in check!

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Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, bold ideas and the power of storytelling – by the sea. Curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock (The Flames, Madame Matisse), this year’s programme features more than 50 events over 11 days, bringing together world-class writers, radical thinkers and unforgettable conversations – all inspired by Folkestone’s spirit of enabling creativity and transformative change.

We want the festival to be for everyone. That’s why we’ve introduced a £5 ticket – a no-questions-asked option for anyone who might be struggling to afford events.

And if you’re planning to come to more than a handful of events, don’t miss our great-value Festival Pass, which gives you access to all events (excluding classes, which need to be booked separately) for just £140.

There’s so much to discover – from headline talks to intimate workshops, big ideas to local voices. Check out the full programme, including our much-loved Local Talent Showcase and a new series of Creative Writing Workshops designed to spark your imagination.

We delighted that our onsite bookseller this year is Waterstones Folkestone.

We thank our major sponsor Saga and supporting sponsors Eurotunnel, Holiday Extras and Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival along with our Education Partner, Canterbury Christ Church University for making this year's festival possible. Creative Folkestone is also supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone and Hythe District Council and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.