Since 2011, Portsmouth Book Fest has been a key date on the calendar for literature lovers in the city. The 2025 edition is rolling around fast, and what a lineup they have for you this year.
The 3-week festival takes place between the 18th of February and the 9th of March. It is a celebration of books and stories belonging to all genres, from kids’ stories through to history, and there are so many individual events that it would be impossible to talk about them all here.
People can book writing workshops, listen to authors reading excerpts from their books, attend interesting expert led talks on a range of subjects, meet famous as well as local authors at book signings, and enjoy film screenings, poetry readings, and theatre performances. There really is something for everyone here, although it is the second two weeks of the festival that will be most interesting to the adults.
This is when headline events like the Crime Bites series takes place, featuring Simon Mayo, Pauline Rowson and more, as well as Helen Lederer performing as part of a promotional tour for her new book, ‘Not That I’m Bitter’, plus a behind the scene look at the TV show, ‘Who Do You Think You Are’, with researcher, consultant, presenter and author Dr Nick Barratt talking about his work on the show.
That’s the second two weeks, but what about the first week of the festival I hear you ask? Well, that’s for the kids.
Children’s Programme
All children should experience the magical world of literature. Stories are vital to their creative development, and there is no better way to encourage their interest than during Portsmouth Book Fest.
The first week of the festival was dedicated to children’s books because it coincides with half term, so not only will children be free to attend the many events taking place, but their parents will be glad of something to keep them busy!
This year, kids can attend a tea party with the Tiger Who Came to Tea and read the story together, take part in a drawing and story making workshop with Jonah Rideout, watch a puppet show by Tigerboat Theatre Company, explore storytelling through sound with a workshop for 11-16 year olds – there is a huge amount to get involved with for all ages.
A screening of The Book Thief promises to be a highlight. Aimed at older children given the plot (a story about a little girl growing up in Nazi Germany), the experience is much more than just a film screening, since there will be interactive and immersive elements at play as well.
Loads of fun to be had, and loads to learn as well – the perfect combination.