Dorchester Literary Festival 2025
Friday, October 3rd, 2025
Exciting news for book lovers across Dorchester and Dorset. The Dorchester Literary Festival returns for its 11th year this October! Running from 16th to 25th October, this well loved festival offers a rich programme of events designed to delight bibliophiles of all interests. From captivating book readings and author talks to lively poetry slams and discussion forums, there’s something for every literary enthusiast. If you’re a book lover in the area, this is an event you simply cannot miss.
About The Book Lover’s Festival
Since launching in 2014, the Dorchester Literary Festival has become an annual highlight for the local community. Under the direction of Janet Gleeson and co-founder Paul Atterbury, the festival has grown into a celebrated gathering that brings together leading authors and passionate readers in an intimate, relaxed setting. Each year, attendees enjoy engaging talks and thought-provoking discussions that celebrate the written word.
The festival also champions important causes. This year, it proudly supports Weldmar Hospicecare, a Dorset charity providing compassionate end-of-life care for adults with life-limiting illnesses. Collection boxes will be available at every event throughout the week, and donations can also be made through their website.
What’s on at The Dorchester Literary Festival
Over the course of the week, Dorchester will host many literary events across various venues throughout the town. Here are some of the standout moments you won’t want to miss:
16th October
The DLF Local Writers’ Forum – hosted by Don Nordberg
Shire Hall Museum Cafe, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
14:00–16:00
Shire Hall Museum Cafe, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
18:00–20:00
18th October
Tim Spector – Ferment – The life changing power of microbes
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
10:30–11:30
The Brownsword Hall Pummery Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
11:00–12:00
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
12:30–13:30
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
14:30–15:30
Gordon Corera – The Spy in the Archive
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
16:30–17:30
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
18:30–19:30
19th October
Thomas Hardy Statue The Grove, Dorchester, Dorset
11:00–13:00
20th October
Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
10:30–11:30
Barnaby Rogerson – The House Divided: Sunni, Shia and the Making of the Middle East
Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
12:00–13:00
Geoffrey Guy – Quantum Biology
Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
14:00–15:00
Meg Clothier – The Shipping Forecast
Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
16:00–17:00
Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
18:00–19:00
21st October
Terri Apter – Grandparenting: On Love and Relationships Across Generations
Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
10:30–11:30
Simon Bradley – Bradley’s Railway Guide
Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
12:00–13:00
Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
14:00–15:00
Peter Ross – Upon a White Horse
Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
16:00–17:00
Damien Lewis – SAS: The Great Train Raid
Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
18:00–19:00
22nd October
Monica Macias – Black Girl from Pyongyang
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
10:30–11:30
12:00–13:00
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
14:00–15:00
Ray Mears – Outdoor Tracking Handbook
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
16:00–17:00
David Walsh and Pippa York – The Escape: The Tour, The Cyclist and Me
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
18:00–19:00
23rd October
Christopher Somerville – Britain’s Best Walks
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
11:00–12:00
Helen Carr – Sceptred Isle – A New History of the Fourteenth Century
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
12:30–13:30
Chris Chibnall – Death at the White Hart
The Brownsword Hall Pummery Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
14:00–15:00
Sir Tony Robinson – The House of Wolf
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
14:30–15:30
The Oldie Event: When Harry met Andrew – Harry Mount in conversation with A N Wilson
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
16:30–17:30
Sir Graham Brady – Kingmaker – Secrets, Lies and the Truth about Five Prime Ministers
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
18:30–19:30
24th October
Dr Lucy Pollock – The Golden Rule – Lessons in Living
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
11:00–12:00
Anne Sebba – The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
13:00–14:00
Rev Richard Coles – A Death on Location
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
15:00–16:00
Sarah Vine – How Not To Be a Political Wife
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
17:00–18:00
John Agard and Philip Nanton – Caribbean Sensations
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
19:00–20:00
25th October
Dorset Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, United Kingdom
10:00–16:00
Christopher Summerfield – These Strange New Minds
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
11:00–12:00
Gyles Brandreth – Somewhere a Boy and a Bear – A Biography of A A Milne and Winnie-the- Pooh
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
13:00–14:00
Jonathan Sumption – The Challenges of Democracy
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
14:30–15:30
Jeremy Vine – Murder on Line One
The Dorford Centre 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
18:30–19:30
For a more extensive overview of what’s going on at the Dorchester Literary Festival, please click here to download a PDF leaflet with information.
Download the Dorchester Literary Festival leaflet
Children’s Book Festival
Young readers haven’t been forgotten! The festival features a wonderful children’s programme packed with storytelling sessions, adventure readings and interactive rhyme times. Visit the Dorchester Literary Festival website for full details of these family-friendly events.
Visit Dorchester in October
While you’re in Dorchester for the festival, why not explore everything else this historic town has to offer?
Discover the rich heritage at the Shire Hall Museum or The Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, both of which feature fascinating exhibitions. After immersing yourself in literature and history, treat yourself to a warming hot chocolate and delicious brownie at one of Dorchester’s charming cafés. For a complete guide to events and attractions happening during your visit, check out the Discover Dorchester website.
Key Facts about the Dorchester Literary Festival 2025
- Event: Dorchester Literary Festival
- Edition: 11th year
- Dates: Thursday 16th October – Saturday 25th October 2025
- Location: Various venues in Dorchester, including The Dorford Centre, Dorset Museum, Shire Hall Museum, Brownsword Hall (Poundbury), and outdoor guided walks
- Founded: 2014
- Founders/Directors: Janet Gleeson and Paul Atterbury
- Charity Partner: Weldmar Hospicecare (fundraising throughout the festival)
Programme highlights:
- Author talks, book readings, and poetry slams
- Discussion forums and guided literary walks
- Children’s programme with storytelling and interactive sessions
- Local Writers’ Forum to showcase regional talent
- Notable speakers 2025: Tim Spector, Dr Julie Smith, Max Hastings, Daisy Goodwin, Minette Walters, Ray Mears, Sir Tony Robinson, Jeremy Vine, Gyles Brandreth, and more
Special features:
- PBFA Dorchester Book Fair at Dorset Museum (25th October)
- Wide range of genres from history, science, and politics to fiction, biography, and children’s literature
- Tickets & Programme: Available via the Dorchester Literary Festival website (PDF guide downloadable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Dorchester Literary Festival
Q: When is the Dorchester Literary Festival 2025?
A: The festival runs from Thursday 16th October to Saturday 25th October 2025.
Q: Where does the festival take place?
A: Events are held at venues across Dorchester, including The Dorford Centre, Dorset Museum, Shire Hall Museum, and Brownsword Hall in Poundbury.
Q: Who organises the Dorchester Literary Festival?
A: The festival was co-founded by Janet Gleeson and Paul Atterbury in 2014, who continue to direct the programme.
Q: Which charity does the festival support?
A: The 2025 festival supports Weldmar Hospicecare, with donation opportunities at every event.
Q: What kind of events are included?
A: Attendees can enjoy author talks, book readings, poetry slams, guided literary walks, children’s storytelling sessions, and a book fair.
Q: Is there a children’s programme?
A: Yes, the festival includes a dedicated children’s programme with storytelling, adventure readings, and rhyme time activities.
Q: Who are some of the headline authors in 2025?
A: Speakers include Max Hastings, Dr Julie Smith, Minette Walters, Ray Mears, Gyles Brandreth, Sir Tony Robinson, Jeremy Vine, and many more.
Q: How can I get tickets or the full programme?
A: Tickets and the detailed programme are available through the Dorchester Literary Festival website, with a downloadable PDF leaflet for easy reference.
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