Bude celebrates all things literary, from 13-17 May 2026, when authors, actors, musicians, comedians and workshop leaders head to the North Cornish coast to inspire and delight locals and visitors alike, via the written and spoken word. Our 5th annual festival is packed with literary gems and surprises for all ages and interests.... and, thanks to local businesses, the festival also includes 10 days of free author workshops in our schools to support 'The National Year of Reading 2026'.
With 89 opportunities to get involved in Bude Literary Festival this year you’ll be playing literary-limbo if you intend to get to every event, workshop, walk or talk, but whichever element of the festival appeals to you, we hope you and your friends & family enjoy each experience. We are proud to support ‘Reading For Good’ which sends storytellers for children into UK hospitals. We will raise funds for them via raffles at our main evening events. Thanks to all the authors, comedians and creatives, our 15 host venues, 12 local schools, 35 ‘Bookworm’ volunteers, our interviewers, our funders and Business Supporters, our fundraisers, and to you for your valued support. Special thanks to Bude Stratton Town Council for originally initiating the festival and for continuing to support it now that it is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company.
There are too many exciting events and opportunities to name them all, but here are a few:
Patrick Gale, The Unthanks, Janet Street-Porter, Harry Baker, Ton Hickox, Mark Steel, Adele Parks, Louise Candlish, Jo Caulfield, Nigel Planer, Rob Newman, Cara Hunter, Veronica Henry, David Hendon, Andrew Wilson, Dr Paul Lashmar, John Rous, Grace Spence Green, Ellis Hunter, Curtis Garner, Rob Hopkins, Tolhurst Organic, Alex Riley, Paperback Theatre, Helen Bain, John Crace, free lunchtime music at the bandstand and various 'Busk Stops' throughout the town, and dozens more, including a Character Treasure Hunt for families at Ebbingford Manor, Play Story on the Bandstand for 3-5yr olds, a sock puppet workshop linked to 'The Wind in The Willows' in The Secret Garden at The Falcon Hotel, and a Book Quest Competition around the shops with entry forms at Spencer Thorn.
We are launching a Friends scheme to reward our regulars with special events and booking priority. The scheme will help us to secure the future of the festival. £25 per person per year. Please email us for details.
