Blandford Literary Festival 2026 & Tickets

Children’s authors Kate Darbishire and Debs Pharoah Pink will be running closed events at primaries. However, they will also have stalls at the book fair.

May Ellis and Paula Harmon will be speaking about researching their historical novels. From the role of Quakers and secret missions in Somerset, the role of women in shoe factories, via what the well-dressed Edwardian might do with her underwear, May and Paula will share some of the fascinating, and occasionally bizarre, facts they’ve uncovered for their books, including several they’ve had to leave out because no one would believe them.

Greg Duncan will talk about his novel, inspired by the activities of his aunt who was in the French Resistance and shows how he a blended a fictional story and historical reality. He will also be sharing some of the fascinating things he found such as the law banning the making of croissant in France!

Family saga novelist Jo Chinn with discuss what she has learned as a writer in conversation with Nat Wood Fox, referring to her book ‘Under the Hickory Tree’ and a fascinating former career as a police superintendent.

Referring to Carol’s crime mysteries set in the New Forest Murders novels and Elisabeth’s Strands of Gold trilogy set in South East Asia, Carol Cole and Elisabeth Conway will discuss how to bring characters to life in crime and historical fiction.

Frida Rivero invites you to join her for immersive story-telling exploring a world of magical realism through all five senses. Inspired by the voices of other selves, this event is designed to create a space for shared memory, emotion, and transformation. It’s not just storytelling; it’s a collective, intimate journey.

How do writers turn today’s uncertainties into tomorrow’s page-turners? Join David Orson Newton and Bob Fairbrother as they discuss AI, conflict, technology, geopolitics, and the art of crafting thrillers that feel alarmingly close to reality. An entertaining and insightful conversation followed by audience Q&A.

Georgia Piggott, author of the historical mysteries The Alice Chronicles, will talking about her books and researching the food of rich and poor from 400 years ago. Georgia will bring samples to taste and recipe cards to try at home.

Jane Skellett will help you create your own book’ – to take home, with front cover, back cover blurb, etc – – and the content will be your own individual choice of subject. (One parent/guardian per child or family to stay and of course, create a book of their own too!)

Starting with psychological thrillers, supernatural thrillers and comedies, Elizabeth Cooke had her breakthrough book in 2000 with The Ice Child. Her latest book is The Tyger Striped Boy, set in the chaotic world of theatre panoramas, freak shows and animal menageries of 18th century London. Elizabeth will talk about her 30 years of writing life.

Heide Goody and Iain Grant, who co-write as Millie Ravensworth and also collaborate with award-winning Rachel McLean on the Jurassic Coast Mysteries, will be talking about their books, inspiration, Dorset and how co-writing works for them. Heide and Iain will also be running an interactive session for anyone who wishes to join on Sunday 15th at the Museum event.

Bring your notebook, laptop, sketchbook, paints, camera and join Paula Harmon, Nat Wood Fox and Sylvia Hixson Andrews for a relaxed creative session – be inspired by your surroundings,, take prompts, discuss ideas or simply write, sketch or photograph. Heide and Iain will also be running an interactive storytelling session for anyone who wishes to join. Tours of the museum will be available. A calm day for your inner artist. (Bring your packed lunch too.) Come for part of the time or all of the time.