Lover. Favourite. Villain. In The Scapegoat, prizewinning author Lucy Hughes-Hallett tells the story of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, beauty, ambition, desire, and downfall in a society on the edge of collapse. Sun 5 Oct, 2.30pm Tickets from cuckfieldbookfest.co.uk

What role could music play in a death camp and what did it mean to perform for their captors? In The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz, Anne Sebba shares this powerful story. 📅 Sun 5 Oct, 4pm 🎟️ Tickets via cuckfieldbookfest.co.uk

In 1945: The Reckoning, Phil Craig uncovers the uncomfortable truths of Britain, France, and Holland’s struggle to let go of empire in the Far East. Liberation promised, but colonial power games returned. Get your tickets via website for this powerful session 0n Sun 5 Oct, 10am

Actress, comedian, and author Helen Lederer tells all in her memoir Not That I’m Bitter — a witty, sharp, and moving account of laughter, life, and lessons learned. 📅 Sat 4 Oct, 7pm at Cuckfield Bookfest 🎟️ Don’t miss it — tickets via cuckfieldbookfest.co.uk

In Eight Weeks, Baroness Lola Young recounts her childhood moving through foster care and children’s homes, and the determination it took to rise above invisibility and become a force for change. 📅 Sat 4 Oct, 4pm 🎟️ Tickets via cuckfieldbookfest.co.uk

🌍 Saving the planet doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming — it can be joyful, funny, and even inspiring. In The Joyful Environmentalist, Isabel Losada explores every corner of life to show us how small changes make a big impact. 📅 Sat 4 Oct, 5.30pm 🎟️ Tickets on website

Join Ray Shell and Roy McFarlane at #CuckfieldBookfest as they discuss Encounters with James Baldwin — a moving anthology of essays, interviews and poetry inspired by Baldwin’s legacy. 📅 Sun 5 Oct, 2.30pm – Holy Trinity Church 🎟️ Tickets via cuckfieldbookfest.co.uk

Bestselling author Simon Mason has long been fascinated by missing persons. His latest novel follows the “Finder”, a detective working outside the police as he digs into old crimes & pandemic-era secrets. Join Simon in conversation Sat 4 Oct, 5.30pm tickets from the website

NHS, immigration, Europe, devolution — the debates shaping Britain today began with six politicians who "made the weather". Join Vernon Bogdanor in conversation with Fergus Llewellyn, Sat 4 Oct, 4pm. Tickets via the website today #BritishPolitics #VernonBogdanor #politics

Can Europe survive Trump, Putin & a world divided by US-China rivalry? Find out with David Marsh, one of Europe’s leading commentators, at Cuckfield Bookfest – Sat 4 Oct, 1pm. His book Can Europe Survive? hailed “a privilege to read” (Gordon Brown). Tickets on website now!

ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH -SATURDAY 25TH OCTOBER Join worldwide best-selling author, @McCallSmith for an evening of sheer delight. This event will be held at Cuckfield Baptist Church. PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS 3 WEEKS AFTER THE FESTIVAL Tickets available now on the website

Tickets for Annettes session at the sumptuous Ockenden Manor disappear quick, so make sure you get in fast! Tickets go on sale on 16th August for Friends and Benefactors, and 23rd for everyone. We can't wait to welcome Annette back to Cuckfield Bookfest 2025!

Sunday afternoon at Cuckfield Book Festival wouldn’t be the same without Annette Badland introducing us to some poetry readings. This year, she has selected the American poet, Mary Oliver. Tea and delicious cake will be served in the elegance of Ockenden Manor. Buy tickets 23 Aug

We're delighted to announce that we are now a proud member of the British Arts Festivals Association, who are committed to insight, inspiration and connection for the arts festivals community artsfestivals.co.uk #bafa @BritArtsFests #cuckfieldbookfest #artsfestivals

Not That I’m Bitter tells the story of Helen’s journey from being what her mother called a 'show-off' to becoming a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of Alternative Comedy.  Tickets available 23rd August - cuckfieldbookfest.co.uk @HelenLederer

Cuckfield Book Festival thrives on the generosity of our sponsors and supporters. If you are looking for Sponsorship opportunities that come with a host of benefits, and want to support a well attended, highly valued local book festival, then head to cuckfieldbookfest.co.uk

Join us for our inaugural virtual Book Club at 7pm on Tuesday 17 June! We are delighted that our first speaker will be bestselling author Ellen Alpsten who will be joining us for a 60 min Q&A. Please register your spot on the website cuckfieldbookfest.co.uk

It's the late 1970s and Tiff lives with her mum, Joan, at Rockfield, the iconic recording studios. This place of legend, where some of the most famous rock albums of all time were recorded, is the background to a freewheeling, ever-changing whirlwind of a childhood. 3-5 Oct 2025

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