Leiston Book Festival

I could not have hoped for a better day. Six inspiring authors on stage, knowledgeable interviewers, a very professional compere, a brilliant venue, and an audience who asked thought provoking questions. More than 150 people attended Leiston’s first book festival and next year, I think we’ll see more.

People can be quick to talk Leiston down, usually because they’ve not taken the trouble to learn about its unique history of industrial innovation. Only 24% of our audience were Leiston residents, and for many, it was their first visit to the town.

The 2025 book festival will take place on Saturday 20th September and as we did this year, will focus on books that explore our evolving landscape and environment. That theme proved popular with this year’s audience, and will help us build our profile, attract exciting authors, and cricually, place Leiston firmly on the UK’s literary festival circuit.

Already, we’re starting to look at who to invite to our stage in 2025, and people who sign up on the festival website, will be the first to hear when tickets go on sale .