You are here > What's On > Sidmouth Literary Festival
Explore
What's On
Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.
To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
You are here > What's On > Sidmouth Literary Festival
16 minute drive from Sidmouth. For 2020 the festival will be a mix of virtual and live events,…
Every year Sidmouth welcomes bibliophiles from all over the country to the town’s literature festival, a celebration of all things bookish with workshops, talks and of course, the chance to buy bestsellers and obscure titles alike. The festival has taken place every summer since 2015 after being founded by Wayne Winstone, owner of Winstone’s Books (of which there is a branch in the town), Di Bowerman, Jane Corey and many others who are both fans of books and work in the industry.
Devon, and by extension, Sidmouth, has long inspired authors and poets with its beautiful scenery and fascinating history, making this region the best for hosting Literary Festivals. The world’s most famous crime writer, Agatha Christie is from the county and J R R Tolkein who has wowed generations with his Lord of the Rings books had a holiday home in Sidmouth, at which he wrote some of the story’s best loved passages. If that wasn’t enough of an indication of the region’s credentials, the Regency feel of the town is almost like stepping into a Jane Austen novel – perfect for a weekend talking about books!
Sidmouth Literary Festival – Sun, Sea, Books is the must visit event for anyone who loves reading, writing or generally being creative. Each year, the festival brings big names in publishing to Sidmouth for two days of fascinating discussion.
Taking place at venues all over the town including some of the grand Regency hotels, local churches, theatres and other iconic venues, you’re never too far away from a bookish activity when visiting Sidmouth in June. Previous attendees of the festival have included authors such as Adele Parks, Bryony Gordon and Terry Waite, with workshops and activities ranging from how to get published to where to find inspiration and motivation to write your own bestseller. The 2019 line-up included Sidmouth’s own author Jane Corry who was joined by Lesley Pearse, the multi best selling author and Ruth Ware.
While there are some aspects of the festival that carry a charge many of the events and workshops are free to attend – you can find out more about the most recent news and details about prices on the festival’s official website: sidmouthlitfest.co.uk
Tickets for Sidmouth Literary Festival events are also available from Winstone’s book shop on Sidmouth High Street or online here, Sidmouth’s Tourist Information Centre on Ham Lane and Sidmouth Library which is on Blackmore Drive.
For more information, email sidmouthlitfest1@gmail.com or visit one of the above.
If you are a big fan of books, Sidmouth’s Literary Festival is the place to be this summer, but it isn’t the only bookish event you can enjoy. Nearby Budleigh Salterton also has an annual literature festival which has been running for over ten years. The Festival is supported by author Hilary Mantel who is the Honorary President and regularly appears at the festival to speak on panels and run workshops.
Find out more information here.
Number of results: 21
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Talk or Lecture
Exmouth
The Exe Estuary is a designated Ramsar Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), internationally recognised for its prolific migratory bird life during winter. Thousands of…
Major Event
LYME REGIS
Lance Corporal Richard Jones is the only magician to ever win Britain’s Got Talent. He’s a world-class celebrity performer seen entertaining at royal parties and in theatres…
Film
LYME REGIS
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
This is a special pre-release screening of a film shot in Dorset with a mainly local cast and crew, including a Q&A with its director. It…
Festival
LYME REGIS
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
*THIS EVENT IS RESCHEDULED TO FRI 02-SAT 03 APRIL 2021 - please save the date!!*
With over 20 beers and 20 live acts across the…
Music
LYME REGIS
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
Dave Cousin's legendary band originate from the 60s and traverse rock, folk, bluegrass, and prog. Former members include Sandy Denny,…
Animal/Wildlife
Exmouth Marina, Exmouth
27 minute drive from Sidmouth.
Join us travelling at a relaxing pace as we sail along Exeter Canal, sit back and soak up the scenery, watch the locks come to life, the…
Music
LYME REGIS
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
We're delighted to welcome the Ivor Novello award-winning singer songwriter for a very special solo concert.
If there’s one quality…
Concert
Seaton
19 minute drive from Sidmouth.
BROTHERHOOD OF MAN at Seaton Tramway BROTHERHOOD OF MAN comes to Seaton Traway 22th May 2021! Food and drink will be avaliable to…
Music
LYME REGIS
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
For the first time in over a decade, Lau present an entirely acoustic tour. The pioneering Scottish folk trio have always experimented…
Animal/Wildlife
Exmouth Marina, Exmouth
27 minute drive from Sidmouth
Spend an incredible summer's night relaxing and watching the sunset on the water on our Countess Wear Evening Cruise. There are only a few…
Festival
LYME REGIS
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week is a week full of fun, from a teddy bears picnic, pavement art to a bathtub race. There will be various displays,…
Festival
Sidmouth
Sidmouth Folk Week is a unique week-long seaside celebration of music, dance and song taking place in the charming East Devon regency coastal resort – a must in every…
Carnival
Lyme Regis
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
A variety of events during Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week including carnival procession, regatta races. Activities and events for all…
Performance
Lyme Regis
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
CANCELLED - But please save the date for 27-30 August 2021!!
Lyme Folk Weekend has quickly become one of the most popular events of…
Festival
Budleigh Salterton
16 minute drive from Sidmouth.
For 2020 the festival will be a mix of virtual and live events, depending on restrictions.
Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival…
Walking
Sidmouth
Sidmouth has some wonderful scenic walking both coastal and inland.
Join us for a fabulous week of free guided walks; discover the wonderful scenic coastal walking of…
Community
Sidmouth
Meet on Saturday mornings. 10am - 12 midday. New volunteers welcome. Please call Kati on 07817 041239, email FOTByes@ gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.
Show/Display
Ottery St Mary
14 minute drive from Sidmouth.
Every year, for reasons lost in antiquity, the Flaming Tar Barrels are carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary to the delight of…
Participatory Event
Lyme Regis
28 minute drive from Sidmouth
Have fun discovering Lyme Regis with two, quirky, heritage walks with an optional treasure hunt. Buy in booklet or instant download format.…
Guided Walk
Lyme Regis
28 minute drive from Sidmouth.
Jurassic Gems guided fossil walks, times vary according to the tide. Booking essential.
© Sidmouth Town Council 2021