Jay Rayner: Feed Your Appetite

We’re thrilled to announce a very special highlight at this year’s Folkestone Book Festival!

Join the UK’s most celebrated food critic, Jay Rayner, for an exclusive evening of wit, wisdom and culinary inspiration. Known for his sharp insights as a Guardian restaurant reviewer and MasterChef judge, Jay brings his expertise to Folkestone to discuss his latest book, Nights Out at Home — a guide to bringing the magic of restaurant dining into your own kitchen.

Jay Rayner is a beloved writer, broadcaster and critic whose no-nonsense approach to food has made him a household name. In Nights Out at Home, he dives into the art of elevating home-cooked meals, sharing recipes, stories, and practical tips to help you transform your dining table into a culinary experience.

With his signature humour and straight-talking advice, Jay will take you on a delicious journey that brings the flavours, thrills and joys of restaurant dining to your own home.

This event will be chaired by Folkestone-based AJ Sharp, a passionate advocate for great-tasting, sustainable food and drink. As an entrepreneur, food writer, judge and broadcaster, AJ knows good food when she tastes it — and her mission to help food businesses grow by telling their stories makes her the perfect host for this event. AJ’s love for delicious, sustainable ingredients and her keen insight into the world of food will add an extra layer of flavour to the conversation.

It’s not every day that a legend like Jay Rayner comes to Folkestone! Don’t miss this rare chance to hear from the best in the business, live and in person. Whether you’re a foodie, a home cook, or simply a fan of great stories, this event promises an evening that will leave your mouth watering and your mind inspired. Book your tickets now before they’re gone — this is one tasty event you won’t want to miss!

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Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, ideas, reading and writing in many magical forms. This year's festival has been curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock. Sophie is our new Curator: Books, Ideas and Community.

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This year's festival is for everyone and we want to make it possible for more people than ever before to be able to come together and enjoy a packed festival. To make this possible we have introduced a £5 ticket. This is a no questions asked ticket for those that may be struggling to afford events and performances.

Or grab a festival pass and enjoy the whole festival for just £140. Click here to book your festival pass

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We thank our sponsors Eurotunnel, Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival and our Education Partner Canterbury Christ Church University for making this year's festival possible.

Creative Folkestone is also supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone and Hythe District Council, Kent County Council and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.