Jersey Festival of Words 2026

Jersey Festival of Words 2026 brings ten days of literary and cultural events to venues across the Island, with more than 90 sessions planned. The programme spans author talks, poetry, history, film, song, workshops, discussions and new work by Jersey writers, with international literary guests appearing alongside home-grown talent.

Jersey’s heritage is a prominent part of this year’s festival. Events will explore the Island’s Anglo-Norman history ahead of the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth, while Jèrriais features as part of the festival’s support for Jersey’s native language. Multilingual family events also reflect the Island’s Portuguese connections and contemporary community.

Children and young readers remain central to the programme, supported by an expanding schools initiative and a record number of free books. Jersey Library continues as a festival partner and venue, with its events open to all and free to attend. More than half of the festival’s overall programme is also free.

Highlights:

• More than 90 events across ten days and 18 venues
• Talks and appearances from international literary figures
• Novelists, poets, historians and lifestyle speakers
• Film, music and spoken-word events
• New work from Jersey-based writers
• Workshops, discussions and debates
• Events exploring Jersey’s Anglo-Norman heritage
• Support for the Jèrriais language and culture
• Multilingual family events reflecting Jersey’s Portuguese community
• Schools activities focused on introducing children to reading
• A record number of free books distributed through the festival programme
• Free events at Jersey Library
• More than half of all festival events available free of charge