Storyhouse has announced the welcome return of the Chester Literature Festival in 2026. The Hunter Street arts hub, which includes a library, cinema and theatre, has unveiled the news alongside famous names of authors and actors confirmed to participate.
An annual celebration of the written word, the festivities will see the city’s home of the arts honour poetry, prose, scriptwriting and storytelling through special performances, headline appearances and expert-led workshops.
The latest edition of the event is running alongside the UK’s “National Year of Reading”. Growing UK research has now highlighted that reading offers real-world benefits. Studies show that 74% of adults report that regular reading has a positive effect on their mental health, while 68% say it reduces stress levels.
Mini-events planned over the festival’s course include “Lenny Henry – Still at Large”, “An Evening with Maggie O’Farrell”, “Susie Dent – Word Perfect”, “Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall – High Fibre Heroes” and “An Afternoon with Celia Imrie and Fidelis Morgan”, with many more to follow.
Separate workshops on how to write a book and how to get it published will be held, and there will be a brand-new open mic spoken word night and a free fair where local authors can sell their work, network with other writers and meet Chester’s reading public.
Literature lovers can explore the joy and power of reading at the 2026 Chester Literature Festival when it launches at Storyhouse on Tuesday, May 12. The event runs until Sunday, June 14.