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Step Through Story and Legend at Butser BookFest 2025

A Weekend of Fantasy, History and Creativity at Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire - 18th & 19th October 2025.

Step into a world where myth meets history and stories come alive among reconstructed ancient buildings! 

On the 18th and 19th of October, the much-loved Butser BookFest returns for another vibrant weekend at Butser Ancient Farm celebrating literature, history, folklore and fantasy - all set within the extraordinary landscape of the South Downs and an open-air experimental archaeology site.

This year’s festival invites readers, bestselling authors, families and dreamers to immerse themselves in storytelling, poetry, and performance inspired by nature and myth. Wander between Roman villas, roundhouses and Saxon meadhalls as you hear from bestselling authors, take part in creative workshops or be transported to the ancient past through the rhythm of live music, the warmth of the hearth and a shared love of words and imagination.

Highlights of Butser BookFest 2025 are set to include:

Inspiring author talks and book signings: Hear from bestselling writers including Conn Iggulden, Samantha Shannon, Elodie Harper, Amy Jeffs and Lucy Holland as they discuss weaving history, myth, and magic into unforgettable tales. Afterwards, meet your favourite authors at their roundhouse bookshop hosted by Waterstones.

Live storytelling, poetry, and performance: Be transported by Saxon skald Eorðen as poetry and lyre music echo through ancient halls and enjoy atmospheric readings by poets and performers inspired by nature and folklore.

Creative workshops and hands-on activities: Join immersive writing and storytelling workshops, craft your own lino-print bookmark, browse visiting traders, try your hand at archery or explore the Forgotten Fleece Tales exhibition.

Children's sessions and workshops: There’s something for the whole family to enjoy with a huge range of activities at the festival, including an engaging children’s writing workshop led by award-winning author Angela McAllister and a hands-on session with poetry and drawing hosted by bestselling children's writer Smriti Halls. Families can take part in storytelling sessions and outdoor activities that spark imagination and creativity for all ages.

Festival founder and organiser Sofie Kitts told That's Book and Entertainment: "Nothing brings historically inspired fantasy and fiction, folklore and nature writing to life quite like celebrating it a setting such as ours, surrounded by the rolling South Downs and thatched roofs of Saxon meadhalls and ancient roundhouses. 

"We're really so fortunate to regularly connect with so many booklovers, artists and writers, and we’re thrilled to bring them together in a venue like no other literary festival takes place with such a diverse and fascinating programme of workshops, talks and more."

Butser Book Festival is more than just a celebration of books - it's an opportunity to experience the magic of stories ancient and new in an inspiring setting, making it the perfect weekend for families, bookworms, craft-lovers and writers alike.

Book your tickets now! Don’t miss out on this extraordinary festival at Butser Ancient Farm. Purchase tickets, book in-depth workshops, and explore the full programme here: https://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/butser-literary-book-festival. Advance booking is strongly advised as spaces for workshops are limited.

If you have bookworms to buy for we suggest you visit the Butser BookFest to pick up some fantastic Christmas gifts.

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Jump racing royalty will come to the West End this Thursday. 

The retired racehorse Coneygree will make a special appearance at the premiere screening event for ITV’s Champions: Full Gallop, Season Two.

2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Coneygree will reunite on the red carpet with jockey, Nico de Boinville who features in the second season of the behind-the-scenes style docuseries that airs this October.

The equine star will have a special stable and his own red carpet, welcoming guests ahead of premiere screening at BAFTA on Thursday evening. Passersby will also have the chance to meet the racehorses.

Other attendees include TV Personality, Chris Hughes and jockeys including former Champion Jockeys Harry Skelton, Harry Cobden and Brian Hughes, as well as current Champion Jockey Sean Bowen and 2025 Grand National winner, Patrick Mullins. Trainers who feature in the upcoming six-part docuseries will also be in attendance Champions: Full Gallop will air mid-October on ITV1 and ITVX.

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