Coventry Festival of Books is about to write its very first chapter, and you’re invited to be part of the story. Taking place over one spectacular weekend on 11th – 12th July 2026, this brand-new festival is the first of its kind for Coventry, transforming the city into a true book lover’s paradise. From page-turning talks to hands-on workshops, immersive exhibits to creative activities, this is a full weekend celebration of books, literacy, art and history, with a few delightful plot twists along the way.

The Book Extravaganza will take over the National Trust’s Charterhouse, hosting a buzzing bookish marketplace packed with indie authors, beautiful books, crafts, merchandise and curiosities for every kind of reader. Entry to Charterhouse is via the standard admission fee (or free with a National Trust pass). Meanwhile, the Anglican Chapel at London Road Cemetery will set the stage for our international and headline authors, with ticketed talks and performances available to book in advance via this website. Two venues, countless stories, and more reasons than ever to fall in love with the power of storytelling.

And we haven’t come to the final chapter yet… this year we are proud to announce that we are part of the National Year of Writing 2026, led by the National Literacy Trust ‘Go All In’, so the Coventry Festival of Books is set to become a defining moment in the city’s cultural calendar – a cornerstone event, a statement of intent, and a love letter to the magic of reading.

We’ve taken our story, torn out the limits, and written something huge and it’s being told in bold, unforgettable type.

Bookmark the dates, clear your shelves, and ready your imagination, because this is not just Coventry’s story but your story that you will bring to the Coventry Festival of Books.

 “There is more than one way to tell a story!”

TICKETS

Entry to the Charterhouse is payable on the day (free for National Trust pass holders). There will be workshops and activities which will have an extra charge and are not included with entry, but will be advertised in advance.

We will be announcing our international and bestseller talks and book signings to be held at the Anglican Church in due course. Tickets for these are limited and will be made available exclusively through this website.