The Ipswich Book Festival - A brand new chapter begins 3-5 Oct 2025

Left to right: Tony Felgate, Emma Lightfoot, Cathy Frost and Andrew Marsh

Ipswich Book Festival is set to bring literature to life across multiple venues in Ipswich during the first weekend of October. Founded by local business owners Tony Felgate, Cathy Frost, Emma Lightfoot and Andrew Marsh, the festival aims to celebrate Ipswich's rich literary and cultural heritage while fostering a love of storytelling for all.

Larry Lamb, actor and author

At the festival's official launch on Friday 4 April, actor and author Larry Lamb, who plays Mick Shipman in TV comedy series Gavin and Stacey, was announced as the first headline speaker. More exciting speaker announcements will follow in the coming months, with tickets expected to go on sale in early July.

Ipswich Book festival is designed for everyone, offering a diverse programme of speakers, workshops, panel discussions and community-driven storytelling throughout the weekend and beyond. Books have the power to change lives, transport us to new worlds and ignite the imagination - something the festival's founders are passionate about sharing with the community.

Left to right top: Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Eva Verde, Francis Quinn and below Thomas Taylor and Matson Taylor

The festival also proudly boats five patrons, chosen for their passion for reading popularity with Ipswich readers and love for the town: Ashley Hickson-Lovence (winner of the East Anglian book of the Year 2024, with Wild East), Francis Quinn, Matson Taylor, Thomas Taylor and Eva Verde.

Join the festival and take the journey from manuscript to publication, discover fresh voices, and honour the moments that shape readers and writers alike. The festival will bring books, authors, and readers together in a joyful celebration of new beginnings.

Ipswich Book Festival

For more information about the festival visit their website https://www.ipswichbookfestival.com/