Guest Blog Post – Dartmouth Book Festival
This September, Dartmouth will once again play host to a celebration of words, ideas, and creativity as the Dartmouth Book Festival returns for its second year. Taking place from Friday 19th – Sunday 21st September 2025, the festival will bring an exciting line-up of writers, thinkers, and performers to the heart of the town at The Flavel.
Now firmly carving its place on the UK’s cultural calendar, the festival promises something for everyone — from crime fiction and creative writing to poetry, horticulture, conservation, women in history, and local heritage. With over 30 events packed into three days, it’s a true feast for book lovers and curious minds alike.
Festival Highlights
The festival opens in style with Flavel Patron John Suchet, who presents The Last Waltz — a recreation of the atmosphere of a nineteenth-century Viennese Concert Café, complete with music from The Lyric Ensemble and soprano Yvonne Patrick. John will also share insights from his latest book The Last Waltz: The Strauss Dynasty and Vienna, which explores the triumphs and dramas of one of music’s most famous families.
We are also delighted to welcome Rachel Joyce, best known for her internationally acclaimed novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Set partly in Kingsbridge and adapted into a recent feature film, Harold Fry captured hearts worldwide. At this year’s festival, Rachel will be discussing her brand-new novel The Homemade God — which also happens to be our Big Book Club Read. Local book groups are warmly invited to join in, read the novel, and hear Rachel speak about it in person.
On Saturday 20th September, the programme sparkles with variety. Expect wit and insight from comedian, broadcaster and author Robin Ince (co-host of Radio 4’s The Infinite Monkey Cage), and a taste of culinary crime fiction from Orlando Murrin. Known for his time as editor of BBC Good Food Magazine, Orlando has recently turned to crime writing — his debut Knife Skills for Beginners won wide acclaim, and his latest, Murder Below Deck, was published in March.
The evening brings a conversation between acclaimed biographer A. N. Wilson and Harry Mount, editor of The Oldie Magazine. Together, they will explore Wilson’s recent works on Goethe and Queen Victoria, shedding light on two towering figures of European history.
A Festival for Everyone
Chair of the Dartmouth Book Festival, Lindsay Ellwood, shares:
“We are delighted to bring you Dartmouth Book Festival 2025. We have put together a very exciting programme this year — we think there should be something for everyone. This is our second year, and the festival is going from strength to strength.”
The Flavel’s Marketing and Events Co-ordinator, Alison Seldon, adds:
“We’ve been working closely with our festival partners — Browser Books, Dartmouth Community Bookshop and Dartmouth Library — and are thrilled to welcome our new media partner, The Oldie Magazine. Together, we’re creating a festival that celebrates both local voices and national talent.”
Join Us
Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a casual book lover, or simply looking for an inspiring way to spend a weekend in Dartmouth, the festival offers a unique chance to connect with stories, ideas, and people in a vibrant community setting.
📅 Dates: Friday 19th – Sunday 21st September 2025
📍 Venue: The Flavel, Dartmouth
🌐 Find out more & book tickets: www.theflavel.org.uk
📖 Follow us on Facebook: Dartmouth Book Festival
Come and be part of Dartmouth’s growing literary tradition — we look forward to welcoming you this September.
