The full programme for the Maidstone LitFest (5–12 October) has been announced and is bound to delight book fans, with free children’s events, writing workshops, comedy and best-selling authors.

The 2024 Maidstone LitFest is funded by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) following a hugely successful launch in 2023.

Cllr Stephen Thompson – MBC Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities in Maidstone said:

“The Council is very proud to bring the Maidstone LitFest back for a second year with a wider offer of events, including best-selling authors as well as local writers and poets. All of the children’s events have been made free to attend and we hope to see larger audiences enjoying the programme. I look forward to the town centre hosting another festival for the community and beyond.”

Some of the authors featuring in this year’s festival include Gyles Brandreth, Maria McErlane, Gill Hornby, Jess Kidd, Joseph Coelho (Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate 2022–24) and Tim Weaver.

New this year will be events for poetry lovers, featuring a workshop with Dorothy Lehane and an opportunity to listen to live poetry.

The Maidstone LitFest offers the chance to celebrate literature and keep the love of books alive by discovering new writers, as well as meeting old favourites and best-selling authors. The festival takes place in venues across Maidstone town centre including the beautiful Maidstone Museum, the iconic Town Hall, All Saints Church, Waterstones, and The Kent History and Library Centre.

Also new for 2024 is a Festival Family Fun Day at Lockmeadow on Sunday 6 October, featuring children’s entertainment, arts and crafts, family fun and the return of the local writers’ showcase. The team at One Maidstone and MaidStory are sponsoring a Book Worm hunt through the town centre, with prizes being awarded at Lockmeadow during the Fun Day.

Teaming up with Maidstone Museum, the LitFest is bringing two fabulous authors to the town focusing on incredible women from history whose stories remain largely unexplored. Following a screening of the outstanding film ‘Hidden Figures’ at the museum, historians and authors Dr Helen Fry (Women in Intelligence) and Caitlin Davies (Private Inquiries) will be in conversation with Dr Jane Shankar about the hidden roles women have played in history.

The programme for children and schools this year is bigger than ever with authors going into 24 schools, free children’s events at the weekends and the launch of our first children’s writing competition.

Supported by a grant from the William and Edith Oldham Charitable Trust, the LitFest team wants to reach even more children and families to share a love of reading and books.

Tickets for events start at £5 with all children’s events free (booking still required for free events) and are available from the Visit Maidstone website:

Maidstone LitFest (visitmaidstone.com)

Read full festival programme here

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