Main picture: Just some of the book authors Left to right – Raymond Blanc (photo by Chris Terry), Sir Jeremy Hunt MP (photo by Johnny Piper) and Reverend Richard Coles (photo by Natalie Dawkins)

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The organisers of the Guildford Book Festival have announced the line-up for the 2025 event, which will run from 13 September to 19 October across venues in Guildford and the surrounding area. Now in its 36th year, the festival features a wide-ranging programme including author talks, panel discussions, workshops, and family-friendly events.

Headline names include chef Raymond Blanc, who will discuss the garden-to-table philosophy behind Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons; former Foreign Secretary and local MP Sir Jeremy Hunt; and Royal biographer Robert Hardman, who will explore the reign of King Charles III. Reverend Richard Coles and television presenter Stephen Mulhern also feature on this year’s schedule.

Biographer Clare Mulley will present her book on World War II agent Elżbieta Zawacka, shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, while Women’s Prize founder Kate Mosse introduces her new feminist history. Other historical highlights include Andrew Morton on Churchill and the monarchy, and Andrew Lownie on the Duke and Duchess of York.

The festival’s History Day will be held at Charterhouse School and includes appearances by historian Valentine Low, author Victoria Bateman, and novelist Alison Weir. Readers’ Day features authors Milly Johnson, Ruth Ware, Francesca Segal, Joanne Rush and Lily Samson.

Bestselling novelist Lucy Foley will join Heidi Perks for a Literary Lunch, and children’s author Maz Evans will discuss her debut adult novel, That’ll Teach Her, as well as lead The Last Bard, a Shakespeare-themed event for younger audiences.

The non-fiction line-up includes Peter Ross on ancient sites, Luke Sherlock on England’s forgotten churches, and Mike Berners-Lee on environmental challenges. Campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa and director Stephen Unwin will also appear.

The festival continues to support aspiring writers with courses and workshops led by local and national authors, including a nature writing session at Hatchlands Park.

Guildford Book Festival Director Alex Andrews said the 2025 programme “has something for everyone”, with more events for younger readers and new venues added this year.

Full details and tickets are available at: guildfordbookfestival.co.uk.

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