Promising to be a celebration of stories, ideas and community for readers of all ages, Stroud Book Festival returns to the town this November 2025 — celebrating 10 years!
Taking place from Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 November 2025, its diverse programme of events hopes to challenge, inform and alter perspectives, as well as comfort and entertain audiences of all ages — spanning genres from fiction to history, politics, travel, nature and the environment.
Hear prize-winning author and renowned expert in international law, Philippe Sands when he joins the 2025 programme for adults; along with legendary poet, Roger McGough. Friday night sees Ian McEwan talking about his masterly latest novel; and Robert Macfarlane discusses his latest non-fiction work, 'Is a River Alive?'.
Lovers of fiction can look forward to events with renowned Turkish-English novelist and activist, Elif Shafak; and winner of the inaugural Climate Fiction Prize, Abi Daré. And renowned BBC broadcaster Lyse Doucet will discuss her debut non-fiction book, 'The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan'.
Headlining the 2025 children's programme is treasured author and 'The Gruffalo' creator, Julia Donaldson; author of the fantastically popular 'Oi!' picture books series, Kes Gray, will present the latest, 'Oi Dinosaurs!'; while bestselling author Robin Stevens unveils her new mystery novel.
And headlining its Schools’ Days for local primary school children are Cressida Cowell of 'How to Train Your Dragon' and Frank Cottrell Boyce, the current Children’s Laureate.
Plus, legends of children’s books, Sir Michael Morpurgo and Stroud’s own Jamila Gavin, will be talking World War One stories.
In addition, the festival will hear from retail guru and activist Mary Portas about 'I Shop, Therefore I Am', her highly entertaining new memoir in which she shares stories from her heady Harvey Nicks days. And renowned printmaker Angela Harding will discuss her hugely popular work and its seasonal inspiration.
The festival will also be announcing the winners of the 2025 Laurie Lee Prize for Writing.
Tickets for Stroud Book Festival's events are on sale from Friday 12 September 2025 online and in person at The Sub Rooms box office.
To see the full lineup and for further details visit stroudbookfestival.org.uk.
