Excitement builds as Yeovil Literary Festival 2025 line-up takes shape

The Yeovil Literary Festival is delighted to reveal the majority of its 2025 line-up, with an outstanding programme of bestselling authors, celebrated speakers and creative talent confirmed for this year’s event, taking place from Thursday 23 – Monday 27 October across key venues in Yeovil.

Now established as one of the South West’s premier cultural festivals, Yeovil Literary Festival continues to grow in popularity and scope – drawing audiences from across the UK to enjoy a dynamic mix of literature, discussion, performance, and family-friendly events.

Among the first names confirmed for 2025 are:

• Sebastian Faulks, the award-winning author of nineteen books that include Birdsong, A Week in December and The Fatal Englishman. Sebastian joins us for a pre-festival event at St John Church on Wednesday 22nd October, 7:30pm
• Michael Palin, the beloved actor and writer, who will be discussing his new book ‘Michael Palin in Venezuela’ which looks at what life is like in one of South America’s most culturally rich, vibrant but also troubled nations. Michael joins us on Friday 24 October, 8pm.
• Joanna Page will be recalling tales from her journey from a small village on the outskirts of Swansea to the sets of the all-time greatest moves and TV shows such as Love Actually and Gavin & Stacey. Joanna joins us on Saturday 25th October, 2pm.
• Rose Ayling-Ellis will be delighting younger readers with her first book ‘Marvellous Messages!’ which travels through times and uncovers the fascinating story of communication. Rose joins us on Sunday 26th October, 6pm.
• Dame Mary Berry who will be celebrating her 90th birthday in a very unique and special way by sharing her new illustrated book that highlights ninety of her very best recipes that have been perfected over a lifetime of cooking. Dame Mary joins us for a post-festival event on Wednesday 26th November, 7:30pm.

Also currently confirmed for the festival are Sir David Suchet, Sandi Toksvig, Amanda Barrie, Jung Chang, Abir Mukherjee, Alison Steadman, Dr Richard Shepherd, Larry Lamb, Huey Morgan and Billy Bragg.

With most of the programme now announced and many events already on sale, this year’s festival is shaping up to be one of the biggest and most exciting yet. A small number of additional events will be revealed soon, rounding off a packed and diverse schedule.

Festival events will take place across Yeovil at venues including Westlands Entertainment Venue, Yeovil Library, St John’s Church and Waterstones.

Adam Burgan, one of the Festival Directors and Director of Culture, Events and Promotions at Yeovil Town Council, said: ““This year’s line-up is one of our most ambitious to date. We’re thrilled to be welcoming such a wide variety of voices and talents to Yeovil. The response so far has been fantastic, and we can’t wait to share the full festival experience with audiences this October.”

The official brochure will be published in early September, but tickets are already selling fast for many events. Secure your place now by visiting yeovilliteraryfestival.co.uk or calling the Box Office at Westlands Entertainment Venue on 01935 422884.