The Guernsey Literary Festival has revealed the full programme for its 2026 Festival, taking place from 23 April to 7 May.
The festival features a richly varied line-up of authors, thinkers and performers spanning literature, history, science, politics, health, nature, business, poetry, music, food writing and comedy.
Now in its 14th year, and coinciding with the National Year of Reading, the 2026 Festival places reading for pleasure, access and connection at the heart of its programme, alongside an expanded schedule of education, outreach and community events across the island.
Among the speakers newly confirmed for 2026 are barrister and author Rob Rinder; filmmaker and environmental storyteller Colin Butfield; behavioural scientist Paul Dolan; journalist and historian Helen Lewis; disaster recovery expert Lucy Easthope; award-winning scientist Daisy Fancourt; former BBC journalist and now Bloomberg Editor-at-Large Mishal Husain; and veteran broadcaster Edward Stourton.
These join the early headliners announced at the end of last year, including Joanne Harris, Tim Spector, Sophie Raworth, Professor Tracy Borman, Lauren Child, Cally Beaton, David Hepworth, Tristan Gooley, Kate Bradbury and Shaun Usher.
Festival Director Claire Allen said: “We’re delighted to share the full programme for the 2026 Guernsey Literary Festival. This year’s Festival reflects such a broad range of interests across our audience, while staying true to our core purpose of celebrating books, ideas and the power of reading.
“With the National Year of Reading as a guiding theme, we’re excited to be creating opportunities for people of all ages to discover stories, share experiences and connect through reading. That work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our sponsors and partners, and we’re incredibly grateful for their continued support.
“We can’t wait to welcome audiences to this year’s Festival, and based on recent years, we expect tickets to sell out quickly.”
Festival Chairman Rob Shepherd said: “The Guernsey Literary Festival continues to grow in ambition and reach, while remaining deeply rooted in the island and its community. The 2026 programme reflects both the calibre of speakers the Festival now attracts and its commitment to education, access and participation. We’re excited to welcome audiences and authors alike for what will be another brilliant year.”
Further details about the 2026 Guernsey Literature Festival can be found here.
Pictured: Sophie Raworth, Credit: BBC
