Dorchester Literary Festival 2026 takes place from 17-24 October, bringing a week of author talks, literary discussions and special events to Dorchester. The programme features leading writers and thinkers covering history, memoir, politics, nature, travel, wellbeing and more, alongside literary walks and community events. With individual tickets available across the week, the festival offers book lovers the chance to hear from some of today’s most interesting voices.
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Saturday 17th October 2026 - Saturday 24th October 2026
Dorchester Literary Festival 2026 | Dorset Events 2026 | Dorset Lifestyle
Dorchester Literary Festival returns from 17–24 October 2026 with a week of talks, conversations and special events featuring leading writers, thinkers and performers.
Founded by writers Janet Gleeson and Paul Atterbury, the festival was created to give book lovers the chance to hear stimulating discussions in a relaxed setting. The 2026 programme spans subjects including history, memoir, poetry, politics, travel, nature, exploration, health and AI, with events taking place across Dorchester. The festival is run as a not-for-profit CIC and also supports free children’s events, a local schools programme and Weldmar Hospice Care.
Tickets are sold individually for each event.
Friends of the Festival receive priority booking, with tickets available to members from 17 August and a 10% early-booking discount before 30 August. General booking opens on 31 August.
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