What stories will you discover here?

Lose yourself in a literary journey where thoughts and ideas come alive. Uncover new books, meet beloved authors and share in the joy of storytelling – from captivating novels to powerful, real-life voices. Cuckfield Bookfest brings together remarkable authors and enquiring readers every October in the heart of Sussex.

Amazing Authors - Brilliant Books - Charming Cuckfield
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About Cuckfield Bookfest

Celebrating 10 years of stories

Cuckfield Bookfest has been bringing people together around great books for a decade. What started as a small community celebration has grown into one of Sussex’s most cherished literary weekends.

Each October, we welcome acclaimed authors and new voices to talk, debate and inspire across a weekend of events for all ages. From intimate evening talks to lively family sessions, there’s something for every kind of reader and book lover.

Run entirely by dedicated volunteers – every ticket sold helps keep this vibrant community tradition alive.

This year’s festival runs from 2 to 4 October 2026. So join us for a weekend of talks, workshops and conversation. We hope to see you there.

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A weekend full of ideas

Whether you love fiction, history, biography or poetry, there’s something at Bookfest for everyone.

  • Author talks – Hear from leading and debut writers across a range of genres
  • Family events – Inspiring sessions for younger readers and school groups
  • Workshops – Get hands-on with writing and creativity
  • Community events – Celebrate stories with your neighbours across the village

Upcoming Author Events

Supporting the National Year of Reading

At Cuckfield Bookfest, we believe that books have the power to transform lives and we’re proud to support the National Year of Reading 2026.

This UK-wide campaign, led by the National Literacy Trust and backed by the Department for Education, exists to inspire more people of all ages to make reading a regular part of their lives. As a book festival rooted in our community, championing that mission feels like a natural fit.

Reading for pleasure is in decline, and we know that festivals, schools, and local organisations all have a part to play in turning that around. That’s why Cuckfield Bookfest is committed to working with local schools to promote and support reading, helping children discover the joy of books beyond the classroom. Whether through author visits, school events, or simply spreading the word, we’re going all in!

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national year of reading 2026

What our attendees say

“It is a first class event, organised with enthusiasm and efficiency and the contributors are great!”

“Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of Cuckfield Book Festival. It was a wonderful day – such a warm audience, fantastic interviewer and so well organised. I was honoured to be included and particularly enjoyed the homemade cake!”

“Thanks so much for inviting me, I had a great time.  You run such a lovely event and everyone who works there seems to be so wonderfully enthusiastic
and kind.”

“Beautifully organised. Excellent wide variety of topics and speakers. Could have gone to far more sessions.”

“I think it is so well run, great choice of authors, really friendly team of organisers.”

Be part of the Bookfest community

There are lots of ways to join in, whether you’re coming along as a visitor, volunteering behind the scenes or supporting us as a sponsor. Every contribution helps us bring great literature to our community.

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Be the first to hear about our speakers, events and ticket releases. Join our mailing list and follow us on social media for the latest news.

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Memories from past festivals

Explore our vibrant gallery capturing the essence of Cuckfield Bookfest. From lively author talks to engaging book signings, each image tells a story of creativity and community.

Mel Geidroyc
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