Sinéad Gleeson, Kathryn Tann & Robin Laurance: How the Sea Permeates the Page

Set sail for a captivating exploration of the sea’s profound influence on literature with three remarkable authors!

Join writers Sinéad Gleeson, Kathryn Tann and Robin Laurance as they navigate the rich maritime history and the deep metaphors of the ocean that echo through their work.

Sinéad Gleeson, author of Hagstone, invites you to delve into the lore and legends surrounding these mysterious stones in her acclaimed novel. Discover how Sinéad has been inspired by folklore, forging a deeper connection to the sea and its mysteries.

Kathryn Tann, celebrated for her evocative essays on wild swimming, geology and her essential relationship with water and the coast, will share her poetic reflections.

Robin Laurance, author of The Busy Narrow Sea: A Social History of the English Channel, will unravel the fascinating tales of the people and events that have shaped the history of the English Channel. Join him on a journey through these bustling waters as he explores the pivotal role this narrow sea has played throughout history.

Chaired by Ann Morgan, acclaimed author of Reading the World and Crossing Over — a tale that considers the plight of those forced by circumstance to leave their homeland and cross the Channel in search of a better life. Based in Folkestone, Ann brings fresh perspective to this discussion.

This event promises to illuminate the ocean’s dual nature — as a force of destruction and a catalyst for transformation.

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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.


This event is also supported by Culture Ireland.