Charleston Festival 2026: 13-25 MAY
There aren’t many places where art, ideas, debate, family fun, comedy and creative workshops collide, but Charleston Festival 2026 is one of them.
From May 13–25, the packed festival programme will include more than 60 talks and performances, all set in the idyllic grounds of Charleston in Firle, once home to the Bloomsbury group and a historic meeting place for some of the 20th century’s most radical artists, writers and thinkers.
This year, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was imprisoned for more than six years by the Revolutionary Guard in Iran, explores how creativity in confinement can restore identity and hope. And the author Reni Eddo-Lodge, poet Alice Oswald and novelist Ahdaf Soueif explore the choices made by writers and the consequences of speaking out.
Former politician Michael Heseltine reflects on power and leadership, drawing on his recent book, From Acorns to Oaks. And journalists, writers and politicians – including Clive Myrie, Caroline Lucas and John Kampfner – make the case for the ideas, institutions and practices that underpin a just and open society, from democracy and a free press to international cooperation.
For the family, Jennifer Saunders and Simon Farnaby show their storytelling power in The Magic Faraway Tree. Hugh Bonneville introduces his new children’s book and Horrid Henry creator Francesca Simon shares his funniest adventures. Plus kids can make magical wings or monster masks in family workshops.
There are also specially commissioned events called Charleston Festival Originals. This year painter Rose Wylie reflects on her career in My Life in Art. The 2026 Charleston Monologue, a dramatic response to our times, is performed by the poet, performer and playwright Joelle Taylor.
Sandi Toksvig talks to author and friend Lennie Goodings about books, politics, feminism and stubborn optimism. Actor and singer Olly Alexander brings one of the 20th century’s most influential queer writers to life – Goodbye to Berlin: Christopher Isherwood in His Own Words, with readings from diaries, letters, memoirs and fiction.
There are 1,000 under-30s tickets on offer this year for just £10. Just 30 minutes from Brighton, Charleston is easily reached by shuttle bus from Lewes throughout the festival.
www.charleston.org.uk | Charleston, Firle, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6LL
Photo by Lewis Ronald
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