Fishbourne Literary Festival
Saturday 11th April 2026
Talk Tickets Sold Out? You’re Still Invited to the Festival!
While our author talks inside the church for 2026 are now fully booked, the Fishbourne Literary Festival is so much more than just a seat in a pew. We invite you to join us in the Church Hall, which remains free and open to all throughout the day, offering a vibrant festival experience for every book lover.
Here is why you should still drop by:
• Meet the Authors: You don’t need a ticket to meet our 2026 stars! Following each talk, our featured authors—including Kate Mosse, Patrick Gale, Mike Gayle, and Clare Chambers—will be in the hall for professional book signings. It is the perfect opportunity to get your favourite books signed and share a moment with the writers.
• The Festival Bookshop: Browse a curated selection of titles from our guest speakers, provided by Waterstones Chichester, and find your next great read.
• Thousands of Treasures: Our legendary pre-loved book sale is back with thousands of titles to discover. Whether you are hunting for a rare find or a holiday read, there is something for everyone.
• Free Books for Children: To celebrate the National Year of Reading, we are offering a free book to every primary school-age child who visits the festival. This initiative aims to grow a generation of readers by making reading a relevant and rewarding activity for young people. No ticket is required to claim this gift in the church hall.
• The Literary Café: Relax and soak up the atmosphere in our popular café. Enjoy delicious homemade cakes, hot refreshments, and freshly prepared lunches while overlooking the peaceful Fishbourne Meadows.
• Support a Great Cause: Every purchase in the hall helps us raise vital funds for both St Peter and St Mary Church and our 2026 charity partner, Chestnut Tree House. Chestnut Tree House provides essential hospice care and community support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
Come for the books, stay for the cake, and be part of our wonderful community celebration in the heart of Fishbourne
Ticket Information
We are officially sold out for 2026!
Following our tradition of popular sell-out events, all tickets for the 11th April 2026 festival have now been claimed. To be the first to hear about future line-ups and avoid disappointment next year, join our mailing list to receive early updates and author news.
Save the date: Saturday, 10th April 2027. We look forward to welcoming you back to St Peter & St Mary Church for another day of literary inspiration
Join our mailing list to be informed of author news and other events.
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Free Books for Young Readers!
To celebrate the National Year of Reading 2026, we are offering a free book for pre school and primary school aged children! No ticket is required to enter the church hall and claim your gift.
This initiative supports the national mission to “grow a generation of readers” so that no child is left behind. By encouraging children to “Go All In” on their passions early, we can help them rediscover the lifelong joy and rewards of reading.
About | National Year of Reading 2026 | Go All In
Sponsors
We are very grateful to our main sponsors, Graham and Sybil Papworth.
We are delighted to have Enchanted England who will have a stall in the church hall selling cards, and we thank them for their support.
Thank you to Waterstones Chichester branch for supporting the festival with the supply of our guest speakers’ books which will be available to have signed and purchased.
Thanks to The Woolpack Inn for supporting the festival.
Many thanks to Kenton Budd Estate Agents for helping us advertise this event
Supported Charities
Our chosen charity in 2026 is Chestnut Tree House. Chestnut Tree House is a a children’s charity providing hospice care services and community support for children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire.
Find us at St Peter & St Mary Church and Church Hall
We’re a friendly village church set in the beautiful marshes that lead to Chichester harbour. Our modern church hall enjoys a peaceful setting adjoining the church, overlooking Fishbourne Meadows. It’s a very popular venue for community events.
St Peter & St Mary Church and
Church Hall
Fishbourne Road West
Fishbourne PO19 3XT
Saturday 9 am – 5 pm