Where Stories meet the Sea…
Books and the sea have always been a perfect pairing haven’t they?! There’s something about reading beside the coast that slows the mind, opens the imagination and reminds us why stories matter in the first place. So the idea of a literary festival on the English Riviera feels wonderfully fitting. Enter stage left… The Torbay Literary Festival!
This inaugural festival isn’t just about famous names, although there are plenty of those. It’s about celebrating reading in all its forms and creating a space where lifelong book lovers, aspiring writers and curious newcomers can come together. The programme features an impressive, varied line-up, alongside free events, open mic sessions and conversations designed to inspire readers of every age.
Festival Director Ben Tisdall speaks passionately about encouraging people to rediscover the joy of reading at a time when our attention is constantly pulled in a hundred different directions. His hope isn’t simply to host another literary event, but to help build a lasting reading culture across generations. That feels refreshingly heartfelt.
And then there’s the location.
Torbay has always had a special charm. Beautiful beaches, coastal walks, cafés overlooking the water and a literary heritage that stretches back through generations make it the perfect backdrop for conversations about books and storytelling. It’s easy to imagine spending the morning listening to an inspiring author, enjoying lunch by the sea, then wandering along the promenade with a newly signed book tucked under your arm.
The festival has a real community spirit. Alongside welcoming nationally recognised authors, it shines a spotlight on local writers and supports the Life Chance Trust, helping to ensure the event gives something back to the area it calls home.
In a world where so much of our entertainment is consumed through endless scrolling, spending a few days surrounded by books, conversations and people who simply love stories sounds like a genuine treat.
If you’re looking for an excuse to visit Torbay this summer, this might just be the perfect one. We also know of a wonderfully bookish place to stay only 35 minutes from the festival!
WHEN? – Monday 10 August to Sunday 16 August 2026
WHERE? – The festival’s main venue is the Palace Theatre, a historic theatre in the heart of Paignton. FIND OUT MORE HERE
