
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.
Find out more about authors we have featured in years gone by.
The involvement of Kate Mosse, a local figure and now the festival’s Patron, adds a personal touch and a connection to the community.

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.

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.
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