The organisers and sponsors wish to thank everyone who joined us – from audiences and authors to our amazing volunteers and partners – for making this year’s festival so special.

The first day of the Budleigh Literary Festival, around 11:00 , the big marquee looked worryingly empty. I had arrived to participate in a two-day writing event, which I had greatly looked forward to.

Word Kitchen did a fine job curating this event. This was the first time the Bud Lit Fest  had hosted an event for writers, authors, publishers, and all things to do with writing your book .  Many insights were given and most of all I appreciated  the opportunity to be amongst fellow writers

Being within a community, making new friends made the experience feel worthwhile.

The following day and the days thereafter, the big marquee was very crowded indeed

Book signing at the Waterstones stand, the jazz quartet playing easy listening music, it all made the ambience feel special.

It was an extraordinary five days by the sea!

There was an incredible buzz all week, with some amazing moments, from a standing ovation for Horatio Clare to Larry Lamb personally greeting his audience, a full house for Jennie Godfrey’s Festival Read and Robin Ince closing the festival with an inspirational talk, all in amongst some of the UK’s best-loved authors, comedians and thinkers.

Families enjoyed the free Percy Jackson-inspired children’s programme with crafts, storytelling and a treasure hunt.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible team of volunteers, whose smiles and support created the warm, welcoming festival atmosphere are known for. And every ticket purchased helps BudLit Fest continue their important outreach work in schools across Devon, inspiring a lifelong love of reading in young people.

 

I am already looking ahead to next year!

Spring Weekend: March 13-14, 2026
Main Festival: September 23-27, 2026

 

Mark your calendars –   we look forward to welcoming you back for another celebration of words, ideas and community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year- from audiences and authors to the amazing volunteers and partners – making this year’s festival so special.

 

Best Wishes

Pauline Dawber

iReadyouRead