What's on
Author events, talks, readings, interactive experiences: bookish fun for everyone 24-30 October 2026!
Featured events
Have I Said Too Much: Iain Dale
7.30pm - 8.30pm : Octagon Chapel
Festival opening event: Adele Parks
11am - 12noon : The Auditorium
Frequently Happy: David Larbi
3pm - 4pm : The Auditorium
Fact vs Fiction: Louise Doughty & Jill Dawson
6.30pm - 7.30pm : The Enterprise Centre UEA
Greg Jenner & Rikin Parekh: Roman Britain Gets Totally Chaotic!
11am - 12.15pm : St Peter Mancroft
Draw with Rob
11am - 12noon : Norwich Theatre Playhouse
The Make-Believe: Hannah Murray
7.30pm - 8.30pm : Octagon Chapel
I Shop, Therefore I Am: Mary Portas
6pm - 7pm : Jarrolds
Rock Goes To College: Paul Sexton
7pm - 8pm : The Nick Rayns LCR, UEA
The wonderful world of Jacqueline Wilson
11am - 12noon : Norwich Theatre Playhouse
Harriet Tyce and Sophie Hannah: Traitors, Twists and Turns
7pm - 8pm : Octagon Chapel
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5pm - 6pmSweetbitter Song: Rosie Hewlett
Uncover a new side to Penelope, one of Ancient Greece's most famous heroines, in this sapphic retelling of The Odyssey.
Fantasy & HorrorHistory and heritageFictionFolklore, myths and magic -
7pm - 8pmDead Famous: Greg Jenner
BBC podcaster Greg Jenner guides us through the extraordinary origins of fame, from Roman and Greek ideas of glory and scandal to the sudden explosion of popular stardom in 18th and 19th century Europe.
History and heritageNon-fiction -
10am - 3pmHalloween Family Imagination Day
Join the National Centre for Writing as they transform their medieval home and garden into a vibrant, safe space for play and storytelling. Unleash your creativity, relax in the book nook, borrow an explorer bag, play giant games outside, and get involved with drawing and colouring. All ages welcome!
Children's EventFree -
10am - 4pmSunflower Snug
An accessible, quiet space right in the centre of Norwich Book Festival.
ImaginariumFreeInteractive -
10.30am & 11.30amBaby Storytelling: Hello Sun with Sharon King-Chai
A charming storytelling session for children under 4.
Children's EventUnder £10 -
11am - 12.15pmGreg Jenner & Rikin Parekh: Roman Britain Gets Totally Chaotic!
Join historian and author Greg Jenner and illustrator Rikin Parekh for a funny, fast-paced romp through Roman Britain’s messy beginnings, based on the award-winning children’s book Totally Chaotic History: Roman Britain Gets Rowdy!
Non-fictionChildren's EventHistory and heritage -
Times varySensory Storytelling with Natalya Martin
Relaxed, creative sessions for families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities. Led by specialist sensory practitioner Natalya Martin.
Children's EventFree -
2pm - 3pmWelcome to Bodytopia: Matt Robertson
Join award winning local author and illustrator Matt Robertson as he welcomes you to Bodytopia: The human body theme park.
Under £10Children's Event -
7pm - 8pmFour Horizons: John Berger’s Pilgrimage to Ronchamp
Join John Christie, artist, publisher, and close friend to John Berger, as he recounts the tale of their pilgrimage to Ronchamp.
Non-fictionPolitics & People -
7.30pm - 9pmHalloween Flash Fiction Writing Workshop
What is Flash fiction? Come and find out through a variety of writing exercises and mini sprints in this fun Halloween themed workshop.
Under £10Interactive