Chester Literature Festival Returns This Spring

Chester Literature Festival is back — and for the first time, it's blooming into life this spring.

Produced by Storyhouse, the 2025 festival promises a vibrant and inspiring celebration of books, stories and poems.

With headline appearances from much-loved voices including Ruth Jones, Daisy Buchanan, and Reverend Richard Coles, the festival invites audiences to explore the power and joy of reading — not just as entertainment, but as a vital tool for wellbeing.

A growing body of UK research highlights the real-world benefits of reading: just six minutes of reading can reduce stress by up to 68%, and 74% of adults report a positive impact on their mental health from regular reading. In a time when more people are seeking ways to unwind, feel connected and find space for reflection, Chester Literature Festival offers a timely reminder of how stories can support and sustain us.

At the heart of the festival is Storyhouse Library — a welcoming, free-to-access space open from 8am to 11pm every day, designed to be used by everyone. Home to a winding, multi-floor collection of books, Storyhouse Library is more than just a place to borrow – it’s a
calm and creative environment to browse, discuss and read books. The Storyhouse Library team will even make personalised recommendations based on books you’ve enjoyed before, and pick them out for you to collect.

Storyhouse is home to reading and book groups for every kind of reader — from Silent Reading and Sci-Fi to the LGBTQIA+ Book Club. Groups like the supportive Healing Pages Book Club and the relaxed Not A Reading Group, where there’s no required reading, offer welcoming spaces for everyone to connect through stories.

Bringing Chester Literature Festival to spring feels like the perfect renewal

A fresh season for stories to flourish. This festival has always been about more than books; it’s about the power of words to support wellbeing, spark joy and bring people together. At a time when so many are looking for ways to feel better and connect, we’re proud to offer a programme that does just that.

The Chester Literature Festival is a great reminder of the importance and relevance of stories

and reading in our lives and we are looking forward to hosting some wonderful writers this year. The library will have books by all the authors appearing at the festival, if you're not a member, no problem, it's free to join either in person or online. Reading is good for you, it's a fact!

The full lineup of events for Chester Literature Festival 2025 is on sale now, with a dynamic programme of talks, workshops, performances and community activities. Chester Literature Festival is at Storyhouse in Chester from 21 May – 15 June 2025. Tickets can be booked at: storyhouse.com Chester Literature Festival is sponsored by Aaron & Partners.

Tickets can be booked at: storyhouse.com Chester Literature Festival is sponsored by Aaron & Partners. Helen Johnson, Partner and Head of Marketing at Aaron and Partners, said: "Aaron & Partners Solicitors are delighted to be sponsoring the Chester Literature Festival at its new home in the Spring programme. The ability to really understand language and how to use words effectively are essential skills for lawyers and it is our privilege to support Storyhouse in bringing some of the UK’s best literary talent to Chester for this annual celebration of the written word.”