Norwich Book Festival is back this October, bringing a host of award-winning writers to Norwich, and showcasing local best-selling authors.
‘The celebration of stories’ made its debut in England’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2024, and after welcoming more than 22,000 people across a four-day programme – we’ve expanded it across eight days in 2025.
That’s eight days of brilliant bookish events – from talks with best-selling authors Alison Weir, Matty Long and Paula Hawkins, to deep-dives behind the scenes of film-sets with Gavin & Stacey star Larry Lamb; to poetry events and drawing workshops.
Together with a range of partners we’ve tried to ensure there’s something for every type of reader; here’s your guide, by theme:
Norwich Book Festival’s packed programme has something for every reader!
Those who enjoyed The Girl on the Train, are sure to love Paula Hawkins’ latest book: The Blue Hour. Another psychological thriller, this time the reader is transported to a Scottish island with just one lonely inhabitant. Grace is happy in her precious isolation, until a human bone is discovered where no human bone should be. Suddenly, the island is a very dangerous place to be alone. Paula will be joined by UEA tutor and crime writer Elspeth Latimer, on Friday 24 October in Lecture Theatre 1 at the university, to share the secrets to writing powerfully tense novels.
Join Judi Daykin and David Blake on Saturday 25 October at The Forum, as they reveal ‘where the bodies are buried’ – how they find inspiration in the local landscape; and Sophie Hannah on Sunday 26 October, as she talks about her latest Poirot novel and twisty thriller: No One Would Do What The Lamberts Do.
On Saturday 25 October, pioneering intimacy co-ordinator Ita O’Brien, who has worked on TV and stage for more than 40 years, including on hit shows Sex Education and Normal People, will share behind-the-scenes stories. Then, on Thursday 30 October, Gavin & Stacey and Eastenders star Larry Lamb will treat an audience to his trademark wit as he relates the drama that can be found when filming, as he brings his debut novel, All Wrapped Up to the festival.
Discover the secrets of Wildlife illustrator Ben Rothery and how the natural world inspires him
Bestselling writer Alison Weir will be at St Peter Mancroft on Saturday 25 October with her latest novel The Cardinal. This Tudor tale is the story of Cardinal Wolsey – from his role as treasured friend of Henry VIII, to his catastrophic disgrace. On the same day, Janet Todd will take us on an illuminating tour of the world of Jane Austen.
The Norfolk Folklore Society invites an audience to a live recording of its celebrated podcast full of ghosts, mystery and a sense of place on Saturday 25 October.
The following day, The National Centre for Writing will host an event with Laura Purcell, as she returns to the haunted world in her chilling new novel: House of Splinters. Make a day of it, as Celeste Mohammed and Ayanna Lloyd Banwo will look at West African and Caribbean folklore and history as they consider: ‘Can we overcome the pain passed down through generations?’
Norwich Book Festival takes place of half term- so there’s plenty for families!
David Goldblatt will explore how football reflects British society and culture on Friday 24 October, and Professor Keon West will expose the continued prevalence and tragic truths about racism today, on Sunday 26 October. Join scientist Ben Garrod and his dog Jack-Jack, on Monday 27 October, to learn about how they’ve worked together protecting chimps at a sanctuary; and on Friday 31 October, Tristan Gooley will show us how to explore nature’s signs.
Families will be able to fill their half-term with a feast of fun activities, from: how to turn brilliant ideas into epic comics, a glimpse into indie filmmaking with a screening of Time Travelling With Myself, and celebrating the power of dreaming with Nazima Pathan – all this and more on Monday 27 October. Then, on Tuesday (28th), little ones will love a silly giggly poetry event with Toasties, singing and dancing with Robert Tregoning and The Family Rock Band; and older kids (9+) who like their tales creepy are invited to join Jack Mackay, as he shares the inspiration behind his first book, Gloam, recommended by Lemony Snicket.
And all that is just a taster of what Norwich Book Festival – Friday 24 until Friday 31 October – has in store for you. Visit their website for more details.
Norwich Book Festival is presented by The Forum, alongside key partners National Centre for Writing, Norfolk Library and Information Services and University of East Anglia. The festival works with booksellers: Waterstones, The Book Hive, Norfolk Children’s Book Centre and Bookbugs & Dragon Tales. Norwich Book Festival is supported by The Hays Travel Foundation and Norfolk Community Foundation through The Goodman Trust and sponsored by First Bus East and The Georgian Townhouse.
