The second Retford Book Festival will take place from Saturday 7th June to Saturday 14th June 2026. This year’s event runs for an extra day, meaning even more authors, talks and activities for book lovers to enjoy.
The main venue will once again be Grove Street Methodist Church, with additional events taking place at smaller venues across the town.
Last year’s appearance by crime writer Stephen Booth sold out quickly, leaving many disappointed – so the committee is delighted to confirm that Stephen will return for a talk in a larger venue on Monday 8th June at 7.00pm. Tickets will go on sale in the new year. Before then, Channel 5 will be airing a new detective drama based on Stephen’s Cooper and Fry novels, starring Rob James-Collier (Downton Abbey) and Mandip Gill (Doctor Who).
Poet and author Blake Morrison will appear on Thursday 11th June at 7.00pm. Morrison has published poetry, memoirs, novels, essays and plays, including And When Did You Last See Your Father, a work that redefined the memoir form. He also served as Professor of Creative Writing at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Local boxer and charity fundraiser Stephen Greaves is scheduled to speak at the Glasshouse Café on Friday evening, while poets Ian Parks and Mick Jenkison will perform a set of poetry and song earlier that day at 4.00pm.
The festival committee is also in discussion with several other authors and agents – including some exciting high-profile names.
Building on the success of the first festival, the 2026 Retford Book Festival promises to be even bigger and better, offering something for everyone and celebrating the joy of books in all their forms.