The Ilminster Literary Festival offers people of all ages from Ilminster and the surrounding area an exciting and enjoyable opportunity to meet of authors and other literary personalities through talks, discussions and meetings at affordable prices.

The Festivals have been well supported by local people, businesses, the Library, Friends and Sponsors, and by generous donations from Ilminster Town Council, SSDC, The Gooch Charitable Trust, The Ilminster Educational Foundation, and Tesco Stores. All of these contributions have enabled the Festival to build year on year, with well known speakers appearing from across the UK and even further.

After a very successful Festival in 2019, we had another exciting array of speakers lined up for our fifth Festival in 2020. We had covered history, music, crime (and a bit of punishment), laughter, nature, politics, and even the editor of a national daily newspaper. And not forgetting the famous Ilminster Literary Festival Quiz – there really was something for everyone.

However, it is with very great regret that we have to announce that due to the current circumstances, we have decided to cancel the 2020 Ilminster Literary Festival. The health and well-being of our audience members, supporters and participants are paramount, and in the light of the latest Government advice and guidance, there is no possibility of the 2020 Festival being able to proceed.

All being well, we plan to hold the 2021 Ilminster Literary Festival at about the same time next year, and we hope to be able to include most of the speakers from this year’s programme. So with any luck in 2021 you will be able to attend all the exciting events that we had arranged for you this year!

May we take this opportunity of thanking you for your support of the Ilminster Literary Festival, and we look forward to welcoming you to the 2021 Festival.

The Trustees of the Ilminster Literary Festival.