The Stratford Literary Festival returns in May, complete with bestselling writers and household names from stage and screen.

Featuring more than 60 events, the festival’s programme includes contributions from leading historians and experts, award-winning fiction writers and ‘some of the most exciting emerging authors published this year’.

Highlights for 2025 include: 

Susie Dent - A Woman of Letters at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thurs 8 May at 2pm.
The queen of Dictionary Corner delves into her holdall of words and amazing phrases whilst also revealing her debut novel which unsurprisingly is a crime novel based around words.

Carol Klein - Hortobiography at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thurs 8 May at 4pm.
Join the BBC Gardeners' World presenter as she explores why our relationship with the natural world is so important, and what it brings to our lives.

Local Author Showcase at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thurs 8 May at 7.30pm.
Whether you have a germ of an idea, or a fully formed piece of writing, this is the night for you. Pop along and share your work in a friendly and supportive environment - and take along family and friends to cheer you on! Each author has just two minutes to speak about their work, making this a fast-paced, fun and fascinating evening.

Mishal Husain - Broken Threads at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thurs 8 May at 7.45pm.
The Radio 4 presenter and TV newsreader introduces her Sunday Times bestselling memoir which gives a unique perspective of India in 1947, when partition created the new state of Pakistan, by centring the experiences of her four grandparents. Her research is accompanied by letters, diaries, unpublished memoirs, tapes and interviews with her surviving family, and interrogates the impact of colonialism, imperialism, religion and conflict that continues to echo today.

Julia Samuel with Kit de Waal - Therapy Works Podcast Recording at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Fri 9 May at 2.30pm.
The bestselling author and psychotherapist welcomes you into the heart of her therapy room for a live recording of her hugely successful Therapy Works podcast, in which she delves into conversations that explore life's profound challenges. She’ll be talking to the novelist Kit de Waal about her triumphs, her struggles, and her personal growth.

Dame Jacqueline Wilson at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Fri 9 May at 6pm.
The multi-million selling writer’s first novel for adults was an instant Sunday Times bestseller last year. Now in paperback, you can discover what happened to the beloved Girls series characters Ellie, Magda and Nadine, and how life panned out for them in this in this uplifting, life-affirming book about friendship, family and finding fulfillment in unexpected places.

Charlie Higson - The Name's Bond, Rewriting a Classic at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Fri 9 May at 7.30pm.
How do you take on a classic character of literature and make it your own? Successful author, actor, comedian and writer for television and radio, Charlie Higson has done just that. His creation of the phenomenally successful Young Bond series has now sold over a million copies in the UK and has been translated into over 24 different languages.

Impromptu Shakespeare at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Fri 9 May at 7.45pm.
With story and verse improvised in the moment, enjoy a riotous new Shakespeare play every time - performed by Impromptu Shakespeare’s whip smart cast. Packed with wit, lyrical smarts, romance, and a dash of double-crossing, this leading ensemble do the Bard proud with a brand new hit this very evening, inspired by your suggestions.

Simon Mayo MBE & Jeremy Vine: Crime from the Ashes at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Sat 10 May at 2pm.
Spend an hour with two very well-known radio voices who have both turned to crime. Jeremy will talk about his debut novel Murder on Line One which concerns an unsolved murder that comes to the attention of a late-night radio talk show host whilst Simon Mayo introduces his latest novel Black Tag - set in a London art gallery which has a suspicious fire.

Jasper William Cartwright: The Art of Tabletop Storytelling at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Sat 10 May at 7pm.
Join Professional Game Master Jasper William Cartwright (Three Black Halflings, NADDPOD, Dimension 20) as he talks all things Dungeons and Dragons - from how to play the game, to creating memorable characters, to building a world to explore. Whether you're interested in storytelling but a complete newbie to the game, an experienced D&D player or someone looking for top tips on running your own game, pop along to find out more about the art of making up a story with your friends.

Cecilia Ahern at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Sun 11 May at 3.30pm.
The number one bestselling author introduces her latest offering, Into The Storm. Set on a wild night in the middle of December, the story tells of GP Enya who is crouched over a teenage boy, performing CPR in the rain. The boy survives, but Enya’s life splinters in two. Trapped in a loveless marriage, the storm propels her to break free...

Juliet Stevenson and Sally Phillips - By a Lady: A Celebration of the Wit of Jane Austen at Crowne Plaza on Sun 11 May at 7pm.
Two of the UK's leading actresses present a celebration of author Jane Austen. Juliet Stevenson has recorded all of Austen's books as unabridged audiobooks whilst Sally Phillips has co-starred in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies as Mrs Bennet.

For all Stratford Literature Festival events, visit: stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk