Monisha Rajesh & Andrew Martin: From the Seaside to the Stars

All aboard for an unforgettable literary journey through the romance, rhythm and wonder of the railways with two of Britain’s finest travel writers.

Join award-winning author Monisha Rajesh and Sunday Times bestseller Andrew Martin as they share stories from their latest books and explore the enduring allure of train travel - from moonlit sleepers to seaside steam lines.

In her new book, Moonlight Express: Around the World by Night Train, Monisha Rajesh takes us on a lyrical, laughter-filled voyage through the world after dark - from Finland’s polar nights and Norway’s midnight sun to Indian twilight and Peruvian dawns. Following the runaway success of Around the World in 80 Trains, she returns to the rails to celebrate the renaissance of the sleeper train, weaving together encounters, landscapes and the quiet magic of moving slowly through the night.

Joining her is Andrew Martin, author of Night Trains and To the Sea by Train: a richly entertaining celebration of the journeys that once whisked millions to Britain’s coast. Known for his wit, curiosity and deep affection for the railway, Martin brings history, humour and a lifelong love of locomotion to his writing, evoking the freedom and anticipation that only a train can bring.

Together, Monisha and Andrew will celebrate the stories, people and places that make rail travel such a timeless symbol of discovery and connection - from global adventures to nostalgic seaside escapes.

Chaired by India Pearson, host of the Holiday Extras travel podcast and a passionate advocate for sustainable journeys, this promises to be an inspiring, laughter-filled ride through the romance of the railway.

This event lasts one hour, followed by an opportunity to purchase books upstairs in The Clearing and have them signed by both authors.

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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.