About

The Bath Literature Festival, the city’s biggest and oldest celebration of words, ideas, and creativity, returns from 16 - 24 May 2026!

The festival will open with the traditional 'Party in the City' on Friday 15 May, featuring live music from bands, choirs, and solo musicians at dozens of venues, all for free.

The programme features everything from fascinating author talks to engaging workshops from leading literary voices and cultural thinkers. Whether you’re an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or simply seeking thought-provoking entertainment, you'll find the perfect event for your interests. 

Event highlights

• Bestselling author of Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell, joins the festival for an evening at The Forum on Monday 1 June to celebrate the release of her new novel, Land.
• Travel back to the Roman Empire as Tom Holland, award-winning star of the world’s most downloaded history podcast, The Rest is History, celebrates his translation for Penguin Classics of Suetonius’s influential Lives of the Twelve Caesars.
• Booker Prize-winning author of Shuggie Bain and Young Mungo, Douglas Stuart, will be discussing his books, masculinity and the process of writing with Max Porter, the best-selling author of Grief Is the Thing With Feathers.

FAQs

When is Bath Literature Festival?

The 2026 edition of The Bath Literature Festival takes place from Saturday 16 May until Sunday 24 May 2026.

Is this festival separate to The Bath Festival?

The Bath Literature Festival was initially established in 1995, before being incorporated into The Bath Festival in 2016. The Bath Festival was a multi-arts festival from 2017 - 2025. This year will instead have two individual festivals running alongside each other: the Bath Literature Festival and Bath International Music Festival, both of which start in May.

Where is Bath Literature Festival?

The festival is hosted across a multitude of venues in the city. Check the venue when booking your ticket for individual travel directions and accessibility information.

Is the festival accessible?

Bath Literature Festival welcomes all visitors with disabilities. Please advise Box Office staff of your requirements when making a booking. For registered disabled patrons who need to bring a personal assistant, one free extra ticket is available.

Is there a student discount on tickets?

Concession prices are available - check availability when booking.

How can I book tickets?

Bookings can be made online on the Bath Box Office website, by phone (01225 463362), by post and in person (Bath Box Office, The Forum, Bath BA1 1UG).

When will I receive tickets after booking?

E-tickets are encouraged and can be displayed on a mobile phone or printed. Alternatively, tickets can be posted for £2.