Welcome to LeamBookFest: A Celebration of Stories and Storytellers

Join us for the very first LeamBookFest, a dynamic celebration of the written word in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa. Held at the iconic The Fold on Spencer Street, this one-day festival promises an exciting lineup of thought-provoking author talks, engaging discussions, and opportunities to connect with fellow book lovers.

Event Details

• Date: Sunday 23 March 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Location: The Fold, Spencer Street, Leamington Spa
• Tickets: £50 (includes a light lunch)

Meet the Authors

Explore the works of some of the finest authors across a variety of genres:

Jess Phillips MP

MP for Birmingham Yardley and Sunday Times bestselling author of Everywoman: One Woman’s Truth About Speaking the Truth and Truth to Power: 7 Ways to Call Time on B.S.. Jess’s candid and empowering insights have resonated with readers and audiences alike.

Kit de Waal

Festival Patron and acclaimed author of My Name is Leon, The Trick to Time, and the forthcoming The Best of Everything, releasing on 10th April 2025. Kit’s deeply empathetic storytelling captures the complexities of identity, family, and belonging, making her one of the most powerful voices in contemporary fiction.

Amanda Smyth

Critically acclaimed author of Fortune and Black Rock. Amanda’s rich and evocative writing transports readers to the Caribbean, weaving tales of love, ambition, and the human spirit.

Dr. Shahed Yousaf

Author of Stitched Up, Dr. Yousaf shares his moving experiences as a prison doctor, offering a raw and heartfelt exploration of hope and humanity in the most challenging circumstances.

Adam Sharp

Known for his hilarious yet profound The Wheel is Spinning but the Hamster is Dead, Adam’s work tackles mental health and modern life with wit and wisdom.

Clare Finney

Award-winning food writer and author of Hungry Heart and The Female Chef, Clare explores the intersection of food, memory, and identity, celebrating culinary culture in new and exciting ways.

Lottie Hazell

New York Times bestselling author of Piglet, a bold novel exploring power, desire, and control, Lottie captivates readers with her raw and uncompromising storytelling.

Damian Le Bas

Author of The Stopping Places: A Journey Through Gypsy Britain, Damian’s evocative writing examines identity, heritage, and belonging, drawing on his personal connection to the Romani people.

Catherine Williamson

Catherine is a podcaster, author, executive coach, and President of Leamington Spa Soroptimists. With a focus on resilience and empowerment, she creates spaces for meaningful conversations and inspires individuals to embrace their potential.

What’s Included?

• Engaging Panels: Hear directly from the authors about their inspirations, challenges, and journeys in writing.
• Book Signings: A chance to get your favourite books signed by the authors themselves.
• Bookstore Onsite: Our partners, Warwick Books, will have books available for purchase throughout the day.

Kit de Waal will also be hosting an engaging workshop, Mastering the Art of Storytelling, at 15:45. Tickets are sold at an additional £25 and there are a maximum of 14 places available. 

Supporting a Great Cause

All funds raised from LeamBookFest will go to Own Books, a charity dedicated to giving children access to free books to support literacy and foster a love of reading. Learn more at ownbooks.co.uk.