Festival History
The history of the Fishbourne Literary Festival began as a fundraising campaign to build a new church hall in Fishbourne a special community-driven aspect to the festival’s roots. The continued commitment to fundraising for St Peter and St Mary Church in Fishbourne, as well as supporting a charity partner each year, demonstrates a broader mission beyond the literary celebration itself.
The involvement of Kate Mosse, a local figure and now the festival’s Patron, adds a personal touch and a connection to the community. Having well-known and respected speakers like Max Egremont, Adam Mars-Jones, and Margaret Drabble over the years contributes to the festival’s reputation and attracts a diverse audience.
The resilience shown in coming back after the challenges of the 2020 cancellation due to Covid is commendable. The lineup of speakers for the 2023 festival, featuring Deborah Moggach, Phil Hewitt, William Shaw, Nicci French, and Claire Fuller, contributed to the event’s success last year.
It’s heartening to see how the festival has evolved over the years, combining literature, community, and a commitment to charitable causes.
The Literary Organisers
The festival is run by passionate book lovers and avid readers! Events like these play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and promoting a love for literature. The fact that it’s managed by volunteers from the Fishbourne area adds a special touch, as it demonstrates the dedication and commitment of local residents to creating a vibrant cultural space.
Organizing a book festival requires a lot of effort, coordination, enthusiasm and shared love for books.
Previous Authors
Find out more about authors we have featured in years gone by.
Supported Charities
Our chosen charity partner for 2024 is Tuppennny Barn a children’s food education charity and horticultural therapy charity in Southbourne. Please follow the link to this wonderful charity to find out more.
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