The Literary Festival

Folkestone has a strong literary heritage. Charles Dickens lived and wrote here, as did HG Wells, setting famous works like Kipps in the town. The early 20th century saw a cluster of writers settle in the area around the town from Rye to Bishopsbourne, including Henry James, Joseph Conrad, Ford Madox Ford and Stephen Crane. EH Nesbitt also lived (and died) on Romney Marsh, while Elizabeth Bowen lived in Hythe. Samuel Beckett was married in Folkestone, and just to the north Ian Fleming and Noel Coward had homes.

The Metropole Arts Centre Trust, working with a range of sponsors, has established the Folkestone Literary Festival. Since its launch in 2001 the festival has grown by 30 per cent every year.

The festival receives the overwhelming support of local people, while its national profile is growing, with The Times placing the festival at number two in its Top Five Events listings last September, and its selection for The Independent’s Pick of the Week.