A BRAND-NEW literary festival is coming to Eastbourne this September, with more than 40 events for readers, writers and storytellers of all ages taking place across the town from 25–27 September.
Eastbourne LitFest, launching this year, brings together an eclectic programme spanning crime, cookery, suspense, family sagas, poetry, podcasts and politics, with events for toddlers, children, teenagers and adults.
The festival represents a significant new collaboration across Eastbourne’s cultural and community landscape. A wide range of local partners and venues have come together to make it possible — from major cultural spaces to independent cafés and smaller venues throughout the town. The result is a literary festival that takes books and ideas beyond traditional venues and into the places where people live, work, meet and socialise.
Among the highlights for younger audiences is an appearance by bestselling children’s author Jacqueline Wilson, who will meet multi-generational readers from the town to discuss her much-loved stories and characters, her writing life and her new book, Esme Pepper. Jenny McLachlan, author of the popular The Land of Roar series, will also feature in the children’s programme. A schools’ parade will bring local children together in costume to celebrate the books and characters they love, while the festival’s Poetry by Heart competition will give pupils the chance to perform poetry aloud at Eastbourne Library.
The adult programme is an equally varied mix of established names, compelling new voices and lively conversations. Crime fiction fans can get their fix with a gripping exploration of crime and thrillers, while festival patron Lucy Mangan brings her trademark wit and infectious love of books to Eastbourne. The festival also ventures into the world of podcasts, with model Sue Tilley joining Unloaded’s Martin Deeson for a live podcast event, while food and literature meet at a lunch event featuring Verena Lochmuller, Development Chef at Ottolenghi’s kitchen and co-writer of Ottolenghi’s new book, Simple TOO, at Light at Towner. There is also performance poetry from Gracie Bassie and Henry Normal.
Alongside the ticketed events, Eastbourne LitFest is committed to ensuring that literature and creative activity are accessible to the whole community. Its charitable programme includes a free Towner film showing for disadvantaged pupils from eight local schools, a free children’s parade, free pre-school events in Langney and free activities delivered in collaboration with the Beachy Head Ambassadors, connecting people with words, reading and the natural environment.
Festival Director Jane Branson said: “Starting a festival from scratch is a huge undertaking, so seeing Eastbourne LitFest grow into more than 40 events in its first year is incredibly exciting. What’s particularly special is the way the festival has spread across the town, from Towner and the Birley Centre to cafés and independent spaces, thanks to the generosity of so many local partners. This first festival is the beginning of something lasting: an annual celebration that puts books, writers, ideas and Eastbourne firmly on the cultural map, while helping us achieve our charitable aims around breaking down barriers between people and books.”
Patron Lucy Mangan, author, journalist and critic, added: “I’m delighted to be patron of Eastbourne LitFest as it launches, and to support an event that celebrates the reading community and the pleasure of the written word.”
Bringing together such a broad programme and network of partners for its launch is an achievement in itself — and the organisers hope it will provide the foundations for an annual celebration of literature, ideas and storytelling in Eastbourne.
With tickets now on sale, audiences are encouraged to explore the full programme and book early.
A full programme can be found here Eastbourne LitFest 2026 programme
Tickets and booking: Eastbourne LitFest
