The Farnham Literary Festival has secured two of television’s biggest stars for its 2025 line-up.
Daytime TV host Lorraine Kelly and former Britain’s Got Talent judge, bestselling children’s author, and comedian David Walliams will be headlining events at the festival.
Their appearances enhance an already stellar lineup of over 50 events and 100 authors and panelists, including I’m a Celebrity star Richard Coles, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin author Louis de Bernières, and The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher writer Kate Summerscale.
Festival coordinator Theresa Gooda said: “Having household names like Lorraine Kelly, David Walliams and Richard Coles as part of the festival lineup, alongside literary sensations such as Louis de Bernières and Kate Summerscale, confirms Farnham's well-deserved place on the literary map.”
Other must-see events include a talk with award-winning actor and writer Doon Mackichan, who will discuss her memoir My Lady Parts, along with a panel evening exploring the rising popularity of the ‘cosy crime’ sub-genre.
The event will also showcase a diverse range of talks, covering topics such as poetry, sharks, true crime, and the Bible. Other highlights include discussions on the history of Virago Press, a play about C.S. Lewis, and a talk on LGBTQ+ stories.
Running alongside the festival is a schools programme, organised by Farnham Town Council in collaboration with Blue Bear Bookshop, which aims to inspire a love of reading and creativity among local students.
Previous years have featured other big name guests, such as Paddington actor Hugh Bonneville and The Story of Tracy Beaker author Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
The festival will span the town, with the Farnham Town Council collaborating with local venues including Waterstones Farnham, Blue Bear Bookshop, Farnham Pottery, University for the Creative Arts, Farnham Library, Oxfam Books and Music, and St Mark’s Church.
Farnham Literary Festival runs from March 6-16, 2025 with tickets available at www.farnhamliteraryfestival.co.uk