Lichfield Literature Festival returned for its 20th year in March 2026, and it proved to be our most successful festival yet; celebrating the written word for 4 days across stunning Lichfield venues.
We were joined by a star‑studded line‑up of award‑winning writers from the worlds of history, politics, science, the arts, current affairs and fiction. Festival favourites Tracy Borman and Alison Weir made triumphant returns, while we also welcomed first‑time appearances from broadcasting royalty John Suchet and comedians Rob Newman and Pierre Novellie. Political insight came thick and fast from former Tory Chief Whip Simon Hart, Guardian sketch‑writer and satirist John Crace (who's event was so popular that we had to put it on again), and political writer Andy Beckett.
One of the standout books of 2025 brought us Andrew Lownie, biographer of Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, while lawyer and journalist Lucia Osborne‑Crowley offered further insight into the related Ghislaine Maxwell trial. Biography lovers were treated to Robert Colls’ exploration of George Orwell and a lively celebration of the tercentenary of architect Sir John Vanbrugh, led by Charles Saumarez Smith, while stonemason Andrew Ziminski’s introduced us to features of the churches of the British Isles. History enthusiasts enjoyed deep dives into Britain between the wars with Alwyn Turner, post‑war Britain with Tom McTague, and a gripping account of East Germany in Katja Hoyer’s Beyond the Wall.
For those drawn to the life scientific, three thought‑provoking books captivated audiences: Arthur Snell and Tim Minshall examined how climate change and mass manufacturing shape modern life, while award‑winning neurologist Masud Husain unravelled the mysteries of the human brain. And for the food‑lovers among us, Ben Benton’s chef’s tour of Britain offered a delicious preview of the culinary adventures awaiting readers in 2026.
With record attendance, packed venues, and an atmosphere buzzing with curiosity and conversation, the 20th Lichfield Literature Festival was our biggest and most memorable festival yet! Don't miss our 21st Festival in March 2027.
