This year’s festival marks an exciting new chapter as Adrian Turpin takes over as Festival Director from Bridport Literary Festival founder Tanya Bruce-Lockhart, who led the festival for more than 20 years. Visitors can look forward to around nine events a day, with subjects under discussion ranging from the end of the American century and the future of England’s countryside to the science of wine, the history of Africa, and the weirdly wonderful life of Dame Barbara Cartland. 

New additions include KidLit, a dedicated children’s day at the Lyric Theatre on 7 November, the inaugural Port Bredy Lecture, Pub Philosophy with Julian Baggini, antiques rambles with James Braxton and much more.

Public ticket sales open on 11 September, while Friends of Bridport Literary Festival enjoy priority booking from 28 August, exclusive programme previews, and invitations to special festival events.

But before we reveal the full programme, we wanted to introduce the person shaping this exciting new chapter.

We stole a few minutes from Adrian’s preparations to ask four quick-fire questions about literary festivals, unforgettable authors, and why everyone should attend for BridLit this November.

 

What’s your favourite part of working in literary festivals?

Talking to people. Book festivals should be about conversations: between authors and audiences, between audience members, between authors behind the scenes who get to meet for the first time or catch up with their peers. None of it is very complicated. In fact, in some ways it’s going back to a simpler world where we chatted more and had more time to chat. I love that.

 

Looking back, which author were you most excited to meet?

As with any parent, I’m not meant to have favourites! But, like everyone else, I was a bit in awe of Joanna Lumley. I am only human.

Also, you haven’t lived until you’ve been on a night out with Alan Cumming.

 

Why should people make sure they attend Bridport Literary Festival 2026?

We may not be the biggest festival, but we’re smart, exceptionally friendly and engaged with the wider world.

For more than 20 years, my predecessor, Tanya Bruce-Lockhart, through sheer force of personality, ensured that Bridport was on the A-list for authors deciding where to speak.

People who don’t live locally also have the chance to experience one of the most spectacularly beautiful parts of the UK. Come for a week. Spend a day without attending any events and simply explore. As I’ve discovered, it’s heaven.

 

What’s a must-do for first-time Bridport visitors?

Go and see the sea, even in November.

Feel the wind in your hair and, if it’s not too impossibly cold, feel the sand between your toes. Life is better if you eat chips on the beach at West Bay.

 

Bridport Literary Festival 2026 takes place from 6–14 November. The full programme will be announced soon, with Friends’ priority booking opening on 28 August and public booking on 11 September.

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